★ 07/07/2014
The opening of Tullet’s new book continues in the vein of Press Here as the narrator instructs readers to call forth swarms of multicolored thumbprints: “Tap it again. Tap, tap, tap.” This time, though, Tullet has something to teach readers. Smudges of red, yellow, and blue paint are seen on the left, with another spot of yellow on the right; all are in vivid close-up and look wet to the touch. “With one finger take a little bit of the blue... and just touch the yellow. Rub it... gently.” A page turn reveals the spot with the blue rubbed in; it’s green now, but imperfectly mixed, so the original yellow and blue are still visible. “See?” the narrator asks encouragingly. After making purple and orange, Tullet invites readers to experiment by shutting the book to combine patches of “wet” paint. “Try it again! Got it? Makes sense, doesn’t it?” Franceschelli is a talented translator, and the book’s conversational tone is an important part of its charm. It’s an effective presentation of basic color mixing, and great fun for paint lovers in places where paints can’t be used. Ages 3–5. (Sept.)
"'Uncompromising Expression' is a must for any hepcat."
- San Francisco Chronicle
"Will have you breaking out the finger paints."--St. Louis Post Dispatch
"Tullet's paintings show paint texture so lusciously it's hard to remember that these are dry illustrations."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Tullet of Press Here fame returns with another inventive, instinctive, and interactive book."- Booklist
"Tullet applies the same ingenuity and encouraging voice to his latest offering about colors that he used to such terrific effect in Press Here."--Library Media Connection
"This is a book about mixing colors, but it's anything but ordinary."--Mix it Up!
"This highly-interactive book gives children the power to transform colors."--The Durham Herald-Sun
"This follow-up from the creator of Press Here rivals the original's genius simplicity and playfulness, teaching the properties of color along the way."--Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Teaches children about combining colors in a fun, interactive style."--Parents Magazine
"Surprisingly sophisticated invitation to mix and smoosh bright splotches of paint."--Chicago Tribune
"Rivaling an iPad for its sheer fun and interactive elements."-School Library Journal, starred review
"Oh. This book is brilliant!"--Design Mom
"Mr. Tullet's mischievous brilliance turns young readers into willing, laughing collaborators."-Wall Street Journal
"Lots of fun, with no messy cleanup."--The Horn Book
"Irresistible... a fun, interactive reading experience."--PBS Parents
"Invites children to find some paints and try mixing in real life."--The Horn Book
"Hervé Tullet is something of a magician: He turns reading books into exciting, interactive play time."--Common Sense Media, five-star review
"Great fun for paint lovers in places where paints can't be used."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"An incredibly fun introduction to the world of colors."--Woman's World
"Although it is a simple idea, it is an endearing one, and in my house, an enduring one as well."--ApartmentTherapy
★ 07/01/2014
PreS-Gr 1—Following up his ingenious Press Here (Chronicle, 2011), dynamic and innovative author and illustrator Tullet presents another interactive picture book, this time designed to teach children about color. Tullet shows blobs of paint on white pages and asks readers to touch their fingers to each blob to mix and create new colors. Though the book is clearly aimed at young children, even adult readers will admire this gorgeously made volume—and may find it difficult to resist physically shaking and touching the book as per the author's directions. While simple, the book's design is effective and even intricate in the details: spatters of paint adorn the sides and corners of each white spread, adding an authenticity that readers will love. The text is spare yet inviting ("Now try tilting the book to the right. What do you think will happen? Right again!"). Tullet has in the past proven himself a master at playing with the author/reader relationship, through books such as The Eyes Game (Phaidon) and Help! We Need a Title (both 2014, Candlewick), and this imaginative new work is no exception. Rivaling an iPad for its sheer fun and interactive elements, this engaging and inventive title will easily find fans.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal
★ 2014-07-16
Who's ready to dip their fingers in the paint? The primary-colored dots from Press Here (2011) are back, but while last time they focused predominantly on motion, this time they plunge headlong into color mixing. It starts with a gray dot in the middle of a glossy white page, which the reader turns into a host of colored dots by following direct, friendly instructions. After some play, three large splotches appear: red, blue, yellow. "With one finger take a little bit of the blue… / and just touch the yellow. Rub it… gently…." The result isn't overexplained—the narrator simply says, "See?"—and, best of all, that new green blob looks exactly the way a real-life, finger-mixed result of that particular blue and yellow would look. Unmixed yellow and blue even peek out from under its edges. While the participatory nature may recall an app, nothing feels digital here; in fact, Tullet's paintings show paint texture so lusciously it's hard to remember that these are dry illustrations. Shaking the book, tilting the book sideways and closing the book "so the colors squish together" yield more color-mixing results, all temptingly textured like real paint. Fingerprints and spatters enhance the casual, welcoming vibe. As with Press Here, one-on-one reading will best serve the invited participation.Have the real paints handy. (Picture book. 3-6)
