I use a lot of picture books in my work with younger learners. While it’s good to engage in age-appropriate reading material, I have to admit the simple language and gorgeous art is a nice break for me, too! And that’s exactly what Carson Ellis delivers in Home.
Author: Carson Ellis
My GoodReads rating: 4 stars
Average GoodReads rating: 4.04 stars
Language scaling: A1+
Recommended audience: Young learners and beginner English students. Fans of The Decemberists might also be interested in it, as Ellis is an artist for the band.
Plot summary: A whimsical look at the different places people call home.
In-depth thoughts: This is an adorable picture book that is sure to become a classic. I’ll let the art speak for itself, but I want to make a brief comment here about the lettering.
I’ve found that picture books, perhaps in an attempt to be THE CUTEST, often make font and lettering choices that obscure the text. This might not be an issue for native English speakers, or for English learners accustomed to the Latin alphabet, but it does needlessly complicate things for students who are still learning the English writing system in addition to the language.
Ellis’s lettering, while distinct, is nonetheless clear. This is a great selection for beginners, young learners of all levels, and anyone captured by Ellis’s charming art.