Before I discuss their work, let me draw your attention to a wonderful interview on Kirkus that Julie Danielson of 7 Impossible Things Before Breakfast wrote up this fall (in addition to the material already on her blog!). When you view a couple's works as a whole, some similarities jump out. For instance, all of these titles begin with "the" and are simple titles. All feature a girl (most of them young) who is a little unique in her time and place and who is learning something very important about life in a quiet, steady manner. And each book is rich with unspoken detail. With the exception of The Money Tree, each of these books is a tall book. Three are epistolary in form. None of them feature the usual subject matter of picture books, if you assume that picture books must be about romping children and lots of activity. In fact, all are quiet stories, perfect for a snuggly fall afternoon with a cup of tea! Listed in order of my own preferences ☺.
The Gardener (1997; Caldecott Honor)
a young girl moves to live with her dour uncle and brings some joy and beauty
to his life through her rooftop gardening
The Library (1995)
when you love books and collect them voraciously...it's time to start a library!
The Quiet Place (2012)
a young girl moves to the US from Mexico in the 1950s
and narrates her experience via letters to her auntie
The Money Tree (1991)
convicting tale of a woman who finds a money tree growing on her farm;
she enjoys it for its beauty but passersby want it for its wealth
The Journey (2001)
a young Amish girl takes a journey to the big city and journals her experience
The Friend (2004; haven't read this one... yet!)
Also illustrated by David Small and worth reading:
Imogene's Antlers
endearing tale of Imogene who wakes up one morning to discover she's grown antlers...
The Huckabuck Family
hilarious tale of the Huckabuck Family who raise popcorn
What's YOUR favorite Stewart/Small creation?
images from goodreads
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