Review By JENNIFER GANNETT
Simple Pleasures is a sweet story depicting children at play using only natural objects and their imaginations. The text of the story emphasizes the importance of deepening connection with the natural world and community, reminding us that, “simple pleasures in life are free, whether you’re ninety or three.” Highlighting this pleasantly relaxed book are the illustrations by Leah Mebane. Her spirited art shows youngsters involved in all sorts of outdoor activities: skipping stones, watching bees, racing a leaf and a feather in a stream, playing hopscotch. On another stylistic note, some adults may find the book’s font, Comic Sans, distracting.
In our plugged-in era, this book is a welcome reminder that some of the most simple activities can provide joy and meaning. The message of this story is a welcome one for parents, educators and friends, especially those who are suffering from fatigue over screen time negotiations.
Ages 3 and up.
Homa // Mar 24, 2012 at 11:46 pm
I notice when comic sans is used, too! I recently read a chapter about the font in the book “Just My Type” that softened my feelings about it – if you are into fonts it is a neat book.
Jessica // Mar 25, 2012 at 8:15 am
Have either of you seen the documentary Helvetica? I had a new appreciation for fonts after seeing it.
Homa // Mar 25, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Love the documentary, so fascinating and well done. Pretty kid friendly as documentaries go, too, at least as far as watching it around children goes. 🙂
Jen // Mar 30, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Fellow moms, vegans, lawyers and font noticers? You two are just my type. Get it?!
Anyway, the book is so sweet, it’s worth it to overlook the font!
Jessica // Mar 31, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Reading kids books is certainly more fun that Supreme Court decisions, regardless of the font. Thanks for the recommendation!
Homa // Mar 31, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Ha! Good one! I love a good pun. 🙂 I think as long as type is readable for kids, I can overlook a poor font choice. I read a book a while ago where the capital letters eere just larger lowercase ones and I thought it would confuse an early reader.