Healing Picture Books

I was deep in a crisis, my reading crisis, finding it difficult to engage with books without considerable effort. I couldn’t read anymore without forcing myself, which took all the fun and joy out of the activity. My mind was fragmented and oversaturated with stimuli, and along the way, I’d surrendered to being a victim of binge-watching and mindless scrolling. I was coping by numbing my mind. Books piled up quickly around the house, yet I only had time to buy them, not to read them. As someone who previously took pride in being an avid reader, I was plagued with guilt and shame for not being able to carve out the time and space to truly immerse myself in a good book.
 
One day, I finally told myself, “Why not restart with the ones I love to read and can finish easily so that I can slowly but surely build the momentum to get back to books?” And then came so many trips to different bookstores and a whole new collection of picture books. Of course, I’d been collecting picture books for years and already had quite a number of them at home. But as I am a children’s illustrator, they were mainly for reference and research purposes. Of course, I loved them because I only kept the ones I admired and felt connected to. But still, the criteria were different.

This time, I allowed myself to simply be a reader, a five-year-old reader, captured my interest and brought me genuine joy and happiness. Whether by chance or a response from the universe, I was lucky enough to come across some truly delightful picture books that offered comfort, solace, and healing during challenging periods. What’s better than a gorgeously illustrated book with profound messages in the guise of a cute little story about rabbits and moles?

Some of my most beautiful picture books (for children and adults alike) that have been acquired recently:

Pressé, très pressé – Christian Merveille & Lorenzo Sangiò (Busy, Really Busy)

A lovely story about a hurried rabbit always running towards somewhere and missing out on tiny little pleasures that life has to offer. When we are so busy rushing back and forth in life, not only do we not have time to appreciate good scenery but we also lose the sense of meaning and purpose of our own busyness, and eventually get lost, we’ll lose the connections we have with people and with ourselves.

Petit à petit – Yeo Rim Yoon & Ji An Kim (Little by Little)

It was a Korean gem that I’ve come across recently about a tiny lizard and his five little friends. The book teaches me to slow down and breathe, enjoying the present with my beloved ones. There will always be some frustration and annoyance in life, but as long as we concentrate on good things and have support from people we love, it’s going to be okay. I am especially in love with the charming illustrations in a soft colour palette, full of gentleness and warmth.

Jours scintillants – Morgane Bellec (Sparkling Days)

A stunning and delicate visual treat for both the eyes and the heart. Nothing but tenderness and grace, a wonderful reminder to read and ponder during those quiet moments where we pause to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the world, in awe of the richness in colour and light it freely offers to all of us.

L’ourson qui aimait prendre son temps – Geoffrey Hayes (Bear by Himself)

“He who knows the art of living with oneself never knows boredom. – Erasme” The little book is full of joys that one can do all alone. It reminds me that solitude is important and taking time for myself is essential. I can juggle many balls at the same time but I cannot do it all the time. There are moments that I need to put my baggage down and rest, recharge and enjoy me-time. Only when I take a break and have a brief look at my inner world can I later return to my daily obligations with enough energy and clarity.

Peut-être – Kobi Yamada & Gabriella Barouch (Perhaps)

This story reveals all the talents that lie dormant in us, waiting to be discovered, seen, acted upon and written about. It encourages self-discovery, dreaming, and embracing life’s unexpected turns. This book has been a balm to my soul, especially during those dark days where when self-doubts and self-reproach were overwhelming. What’s more? Barouch’s illustrations are so gentle, so elegant, so dreamy, perfectly complementing the gracefully written text.

Sentiers – Guia Risari & Andrea Calisi (Paths)

Sometimes I don’t want to hear any story, take any advice or fix anything. Sometimes I just want to sit down and breathe. At moments like this, Sentiers gives me the mirror to look deep into my heart and just be still for a while. While not strictly a children’s picture book, it presents a poetic exploration of internal landscapes for adults. Each spread is a magnificent inner world where I feel like I can linger forever, watching the blue sky turn red at dusk and the moon rise up from the dark inky tree tops and sprinkle golden glitters on the serene lake ringed with sleeping willows, as gentle breezes whisper soft lullabies through their slender leaves.