Jamie's day at the beach turns into the perfect place for an artistic adventure.
Matt Myers has illustrated over a dozen books for children, including Erin Cabatingan's Musk Ox books, Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett's Battle Bunny, and many more. Hum and Swish is the first book he's both authored and illustrated. He lives with his wife Maya Myers in North Carolina.
★ "Readers will connect with the heady, evocative acrylic and oil
portrayal of the seashore by Myers (Battle Bunny) in his solo
debut—its sharp, bright light; creamy waves; and golden sands. The
rush of water, and the smell of sea salt mingled with sunscreen,
seems to emanate from every page."—Publishers Weekly, Starred
Review
★ "Myers' understated storyline and moody ocean scenes perfectly
complement Jamie’s introspective world and her desire to follow her
own artistic instincts. The story’s natural simplicity and Myers’
intriguing illustrations make for a kid-pleasing
examination of both the joy and marvelous uncertainty of the
artistic process."—BookPage, Starred Review
"The illustrator's acrylic-and-oil paintings are as expressive as
Jamie's face, with bold brushstrokes that complement the gentle
tone of the story using a harmonious color palette of blues and
browns. This picture book incites the senses of sight, sound, and
touch with the immersive scenery, the titular swish of the waves,
and Jamie digging in the sand."—Booklist
"Myers's full-bleed acrylic and oil paintings take care to depict
Jamie not as standoffish or bratty in her rebuffs, striking a
balance between images showing her irritation and those showing her
in quiet reverie, making art. . . . Myers's thoughtful layout
literally gives each artist space, placing girl and woman alone or
on facing pages as they work independently, Jamie humming and the
woman swishing her paintbrush in a jar of water. A pleasing
resolution shows how the child has inspired the adult's art-making,
which is affirming of the child herself."—The Horn Book
"Jamie’s facial expressions convey her total absorption in her
activities, and it’s fun to watch the way she inventively
incorporates different objects, both natural and found, into her
endeavor. This day-at-the-seashore tale also serves as a
celebration of creative play and artistic exploration, and a
reminder to stop and smell the roses." —School Library Journal
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