The White Book

PreS-Gr 1—Children will need no words to help them understand the utter joy the protagonist feels as he explores the simple wonder of painting in this enchanting, wordless Italian import. As in Crockett Johnson's "Harold" books, magic occurs whenever this boy applies color to a background, in this case, a stark white wall. Surprises appear on every page as the boy applies the paint and the images spring to life. Children will love guessing what each color will bring forth—and what will happen next. These scenes offer a great springboard for impromptu activities involving color and animal naming and for counting practice. Lots of white space and bright colors help young children focus on the goings-on; simple, childlike, expressive drawings add to the appeal and empathy for the young painter, especially at book's end, when it seems as if the last roll of color will yield no surprises. Of course, it does, in a most heartwarming and wonderfully satisfying way—for the boy and readers alike.