Stars come in all varieties.

Elvis is King tells the childhood and youth of Elvis Presley via short poems. The focus on the artistic roots of Elvis’ music was effective–and at times heart-wrenching.

But the most wonderful part of the book, in my opinion, is the quirky art. I loved Red Nose Studio’s art in The Secret Subway and they’re (he’s?) back at it here. The art is composed of photographs of lovingly-constructed dioramas with a level of detail that practically compels you to camp on pages, looking and looking.

Another kind of star takes center stage in Stacy McAnulty’s delightful book Sun! One in a Billion. This follow-up to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years also revels in strong, funny voice to give fact after fact about the sun. I heard McAnulty talk about this series and she said she works for at least one joke on every spread. It was fun to think about that as I read the text.

Stevie Lewis’ art is perfect for this project–whimsical but rooted in reality. It’s a great book to read aloud and spend time looking at!

Elvis is King! by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Red Nose Studio. Schwartz & Wade: 2019.

Sun! One in a Million by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. Henry Holt: 2018.