Staff Pick
“Jamie and the sea are friends. Jamie hums. The waves swish.” With quiet, spare prose, children’s book artist Matt Myers proves that he writes as beautifully as he illustrates in Hum and Swish, his first solo picture book. The art is luminous and expansive. The story is subtle and elegant. And that combination, along with Myers’s many lovely added details, makes for the perfect storybook tribute to introversion, creativity, and just being yourself. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
A beautiful picture book about creativity and expectations! Jamie is having a wonderful beach day — or she would be, if people would stop asking her about what she’s making and just let her make it. Why should knowing what it’s going to be get in the way of making what it is? When a fellow creator finally appears, and Jamie is understood, something magical happens. Myers’s first solo title (he’s previously illustrated a number of excellent picture books) is absolutely lovely, and Jamie’s single-minded enthusiasm is captivating. Recommended By Madeline S., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Jamie's day at the beach turns into the perfect place for an artistic adventure.
All Jamie wants is to spend some time alone at the beach and finish her art project in the sand. But everyone around keeps asking her pesky questions she doesn't know how to answer: what are you making? Aren't you clever?
Jamie does her best to tune it all out and focus on her creation . . . until she finds a like-minded friend.
Widely respected artist Matt Myers makes his debut as an author in this story that celebrates creativity, introversion, and the beauty of a little peace and quiet.
Review
"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
Review
"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)
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)
About the Author
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.