They Say Blue
Author: Jillian Tamaki
Illustrator: Jillian Tamaki
Abrams Books for Young Readers
13 March 2018
52 Pages
This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Big Cheese at Only Picture Books) and Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration Professor Katy Betz.
–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–
Caldecott and Printz Honor-winning illustrator Jillian Tamaki’s They Say Blue clocks in at a beefy 52 pages versus the far leaner (and more traditional) 32-page format. That’s not to say that this is a text-heavy book, however. In fact, most pages with text only have 10 words or so, which makes sense since the strength of this quiet book resides in Tamaki’s compelling illustrations.
The main character is an inquisitive young girl who undergoes an almost philosophical exploration on the idea of color starting with the blue of the sky and the sea and ending with black crows flying: “Tiny inkblots on a sea of sky.” In many ways, the somewhat lyrical, nonlinear story is about curiosity–it has a kind of imaginative carpe diem feel throughout, or at least a “stop and smell the roses” lesson. But some readers might find the text a bit meandering and the ending too abrupt to be as richly satisfying as the wonderful artwork.
To be clear–there is no plot. It’s far more of a series of vignettes or musings.
Those who prefer picture books that generate discussion might find the girl’s color- and season-based ponderings to be quite fruitful. For example, what reader won’t react when she cups water in her hands and says, “I toss it in the air to make diamonds”? Or when she stretches her arms to the sky and somehow transforms into a tree?
In sum, They Say Blue is a memorable book with more than a few picture-perfect spreads, though it’s clearly the expressive artwork that carries the day.
3.75 out of 5 pencils
–Katy’s Review of the Illustration–
Jillian Tamaki’s illustrations in They Say Blue burst with energy and soulful contemplation. Readers will discover hidden truths about life on each page, thanks to the imaginative narrative and clever compositions.
Using traditional media of acrylic on watercolor paper, Tamaki invites readers to wonder through use of bold colors and sweeping textures. Her imagery plays off the text beautifully–sometimes visually supporting what the main character is thinking, while other times purposefully contradicting to evoke curiosity and surprise. The power of color association is often used to enhance conceptual facts, making us feel something instead of just think. And a few sequential drawings throughout the book illuminate concepts of time and transformation, integrating both literal and metaphorical imagery seamlessly.
They Say Blue is a pictorial delight that will inspire readers to never lose their sense of wonder.
5 out of 5 crayons
A Professor of Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design, Katy Betz works with both traditional and digital media and is active in the fields of children’s literature, gallery, and editorial illustration. When not working in the studio or classroom, she says that you can find her “playing outdoors in the Florida swamps or hiking the California Sierras with a sketchbook in hand.”