First, the facts:
Title: Freddie’s Blanket
Author: Joanna Johnson
Illustrator: Eric Johnson
Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2011
Pages: 45
Type: Picture book with patterns.
The In-Depth Look:
Like their last book, Phoebe’s Sweater, this book is just adorable. (Yes, that really is the first thing you need to know.)
The first half of the book is the beautifully illustrated story of little platypus Freddie as he outgrows his baby blanket and moves up to his “big boy bed” with the new blanket that his Mom makes for him. It’s a sweet little story, inspired by the authors’ son’s experience getting used to his new bed. It’s sweet and charming.
And the illustrations? I adore them. Their gentle watercolors and elaborate detail are really beautiful. This is not a book to rush through just for the story. You have to savor it and really pore over the pictures. I love all the details–titles on book covers, the jumble of goods at a yard sale, the crowd at a Christmas party–even the recognizable knitting patterns for the slippers Freddie’s parents wear. I even spotted a cameo from Phoebe. It’s the best kind of eye candy.
This husband-and-wife team aren’t done there, though. After the story is finished comes the cream–the patterns so you can make these knits for yourself. There are patterns for a Freddie doll (and his sister), his baby “envelope” blanket, his new blanket, and knitted coveralls (complete with a knitted hammer) for your own little one.
This beautiful little book is available at Amazon. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.
This review copy was kindly donated by the author. Thank you!
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I like this one better but the illustrations are really nice in both!