Whatcha Reading? Gabi Snyder Shares the Picture Books Inspiring Her Now

Gabi Snyder is writing the books your kids – and maybe you – need to be reading right now. 

Her beautiful picture books, including her newest, “Today” and “Look” (Paula Wiseman Books), use all the senses to explore mindfulness, something especially important for kids following the stress of the pandemic. I thought Gabi would be the perfect person to kick off a new series asking authors who inspire me what they’re reading that inspires them.

First, a little about Gabi’s books. “Today,” illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, is a meditation on time and the way days can stretch looooong or pass in a too-fast flash. Children will relate to the way waiting for a family trip feels like it takes forever, while fun moments move so fast you want to freeze them. 

Gabi’s lyrical text zooms in and out on those moments to show how to appreciate the here and now without trying to rush forward or rewind. Stephanie Gregin’s warm and whimsical illustrations invite readers to linger.

“Look,” illustrated by Samantha Cotterill and out in April, explores patterns seen in nature and the man-made world, inspired by Gabi’s own pattern walks. The stripes of a fence or a cat’s tail, the alternating colors of flowers – they all help a child make sense of a chaotic world. Samantha Cotterill’s sumptuous illustrations will give children plenty to look at within the pages, and Gabi’s words will inspire them to continue the visual hunt as they explore the world.

“Look” is a companion to “Listen,” released in 2021 and also illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, which encouraged us to listen past all the noise that surrounds us to hear sounds like the “slap-slap-slap of shoes against pavement” or the quiet of our own woosh of breath. 

Gabi’s books are the perfect vehicle for showing kids how to slow down and breathe. They’re a cozy read for a child on your lap, and I am sure they’d be equally great in an over-stimulated classroom. I wanted to know what books are inspiring Gabi - and I’m excited to see some favorites on her list! 

“Desert Queen,” written by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and illustrated by Svabhu Kohli. 

“This gorgeous book was inspired by the life of drag performer Queen Harish, who was known as the ‘Whirling Desert Queen of Rajasthan.’ Despite harsh criticism and cruel taunts (strict gender norms meant boys weren't supposed to dance the traditional Rajasthani folk dances), Harish studied, trained, and became a beloved performer. The joy and freedom Harish found through dance radiates through the book.”

“The House Before Falling Into the Sea,” written by Ann Suk Wang and illustrated by Hanna Cha.

“This poignant story set during the Korean War explores war, displacement, and hardship in a way that will be understandable to children. When Kyung's parents offer refuge to fleeing refugees, she finds sharing her home difficult. But she also learns that her parents' bravery is a gift, showing her what it means to truly care for others.”

“Whatever Comes Tomorrow,” written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Mariona Cabassa.

“With pitch perfect rhyme and meter, the text acknowledges the many different things that tomorrow might bring and the worry that might accompany not knowing what's coming. I especially love, ‘Tomorrow may bring questions that you have no answers for.../...or answers that may lead you to more questions than before.’ The text also provides readers with reassurance and the important reminder that ‘The only thing in your control is you.’”

Thank you, Gabi! I was so happy to see Gabi choose books by two of my favorite local writing friends – Jyoti and Rebecca – and to discover something new and lovely! These are all books worth spending time poring over. 

Some good news for my writing friends!

• Heather Kinser won a Blueberry Award for her lovely picture book, “Nature Is a Sculptor.” Have you ever read text that feels so perfect you’re sure someone must have written it already? That’s how this one felt from Heather. (And no, no one did.)

• Kelly Conroy announced her debut picture book, “You Are My Everything,” AND her upcoming board book, “I See You In the Stars!” They’re both so brilliant, like Kelly.

• I’m heading to the New York International Children’s Film Festival to see “Story & Pictures By” - a documentary about picture book making (or “picturebookmaking” as one of its stars Mac Barnett prefers). I don’t see any more screenings in the near future, but here’s hoping it finds distribution so you all can see it, too. 

You can see more about why I’m starting this Substack here. Good idea? Bad idea? Have ideas for me, including what I should call this? Send me a note using the button below.