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CM . . . . Volume XXII Number 8 . . . . October 23, 2015
excerpt:
Kiss, Kiss is the newest work from French author Jennifer Couëlle, illustrated by Jacques Laplante. This book was translated from French into English.
Jacques Laplante's illustrations are the perfect mix of vibrant colour and black lines that enhance the playfulness of Couëlle's story. Laplante's artistic style is reminiscent of Quentin Blake, with messy pen strokes and dashes of bright hues. The artist aptly chose a lot of red and pink tones throughout the drawings which amp up the feeling of being surrounded by love. Laplante's fun illustrations wonderfully accent Couëlle's verse. Jennifer Couëlle's Kiss, Kiss is a book that should be read to remind listeners of how loved they are, as well as how powerful a kiss can be. Kiss, Kiss would also make a wonderful gift book, whether to a child, friend, or significant other—no matter who the reader may be, the ultimate message of the story will not be lost: love is important. Recommended. Nikita Griffioen, who is currently finishing up her English degree at British Columbia's University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC, will go on to teach high school, and hopes to write and illustrate books of her own. Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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Table of Contents for This Issue
- October 23, 2015. |
Kiss, Kiss is a book that relates to a feeling all readers know and desire, the feeling of being loved. In particular, Couëlle demonstrates the power of kisses. The prose highlights all different kinds of kisses, like air kisses: "They fly through the air and land on you" (p. 7), as well as "Hello" and "Goodbye" kisses (p. 12), and even noisy kisses, among others. Along with types of kisses, the prose also highlights the power of a kiss, itself: "They dry up your tears as quick as can be" (p. 9). Couëlle's gentle reminders of the magic of kisses are simply and poetically rendered on each page. The story, though translated from French, still holds a slight charming rhyme.