Paging through this long series of full-page or full-spread serigraphic seasonal scenes and iconic images quickly becomes immersive. As the artist goes for silhouettes and broad, sometimes layered patches of color rather than fine detail (though there's some of that too, in a delicate mosquito or the subtle sheen of a luscious plum), the multi-year round has an abstract, dreamlike quality that will draw viewers into the rhythms of each season. It's a human-centered but outdoorsy world: Flowers and leaves bud, open and fall; birds thread a piece of yarn into their nest; an ice-cream cart wheels by; a splashy swim is followed by a sunburned back. Though the mood is largely idyllic, a flood, a forest fire, an avalanche and several other dramatic incidents add emotional dimension. Big one- or two-word captions accompany each picture and sometimes create links-a fall of "Snow" draws grown-ups outside for a "Snowball Fight," which gives way to "Silence" over a pulled-back view of an isolated, cozy house with a curl of smoke above the chimney. Both a stylish debut (on this side of the Atlantic) and a distinctive showcase for this French comics illustrator. (Artist's album. 4 & up)
Words and phrases loosely associated with the seasons appear in a blocky pink font on each page of this contemplative book, above grainy prints with a decidedly retro flavor. The pages often play off one another, creating a succession of evocative observations. “Debris” litters a shady grove, but yields “discovery” for a black bird, opposite, tugging on discarded string. A gleaming plum, seen early, later becomes a prune. Figures engage in many recognizable activities, and a subtle sense of humor can be seen at work (a traffic jam mirrors a “caterpillar crawl”). The creamy matte paper, rich colors, and deceptively simple imagery combine to breathtaking effect, encouraging readers to take notice of fleeting details. All ages. (Apr.)
Starred reviews Publishers Weekly & School Library Journal
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2010
School Library Journal Best Children's Books of 2010
NPR's OnPoint 2010 Summer Reading Pick
" Blexbolex 's silkscreened prints are both retro and modern, and at 180 pages, Seasons is an impressive object the reader will want to study closely."— The New York Times
"Words and phrases loosely associated with the seasons appear in a blocky pink font on each page of this contemplative book [...] The creamy matte paper, rich colors, and deceptively simple imagery combine to breathtaking effect, encouraging readers to take notice of fleeting detail." - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"The stunning artwork demonstrates Blexbolex's mastery of printmaking. From preschoolers identifying familiar objects to adults pondering visual representations of ideas such as "late bloomer," attentive readers will find new connections with each perusal. A book to savor." - School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Paging through this long series of full-page or full-spread serigraphic seasonal scenes and iconic images quickly becomes immersive. As the artist goes for silhouettes and broad sometimes layered patches of color rather than fine detail (though there is some of that too, in a delicate mosquito or the subtle sheen of a luscious plum), the multi-year round has an abstract, dreamlike quality that will draw viewers into the rhythms of each season. [...] Both a stylish debut (on this side of the Atlantic) and a distinctive showcase for this French comic illustrator." - Kirkus
"This thick volume is both beautiful and intriguing - artist's portfolio, concept book, and word book rolled into one." - The Horn Book
"Seasons is an inter-generational treat ready to be shared between parents and children, teachers and students, or just savored alone." - The Midwest Book Review
"The book is a pleasure to hold in your hands and read." - Craig Seasholes, Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
Gr 2—At first glance, this work may appear to be a simple concept book. Four spreads depict the same landscape during each season. Then Blexbolex turns to images of objects, activities, and concepts that remind readers of life's everyday and unusual occurrences as days and months pass. Above each image is a one- or two-word caption printed in block capitals. Sometimes the relationships between illustrations are straightforward, as when "cocoon" appears opposite "butterfly." Other times, turning the page results in contrast or continuity. For example, a scene recalling Manet's painting of people on a "picnic" is followed by "debris" left after their departure. Still other connections occur pages apart as characters or objects reappear. The red-and-white house from the initial landscapes can be spotted in several places, sometimes in perilous circumstances such as "flood" or "tornado," but also during snowy "silence." The stunning artwork demonstrates Blexbolex's mastery of printmaking. From preschoolers identifying familiar objects to adults pondering visual representations of ideas such as "late bloomer," attentive readers will find new connections with each perusal. A book to savor.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
