Clementina's Cactus: 03/14/10

Clementina's Cactus is Ezra Jack Keats's only wordless picture books. It's the tale of Clementina living with her father in what looks like New Mexico. She finds a cactus which she claims as her own but she's forced inside by an unexpected rain shower. The rain brings a small miracle to Clementina and her cactus.

Ezra Keats does beautiful illustrations. His children are always so full of personality. Here his watercolors bring to life the New Mexico desert. They are rich in color and light and absolutely charming to look at.

I brought home the book from the library for Harriet. She's about the same age as Clementina and has been enjoying growing flowers at her preschool. Harriet though is now "too big" for picture only books. She looked at it once politely and was done with it. In other words, I liked it a lot more than she did.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Monday, March, 15, 2010 at 11:48:22

Jeane

I've always loved Ezra Jack Keats' illustrations. I've never seen this book- is it newer? I'm going to look for it at our library to share with my daughter (especially if the cactus blooms- I think she'd love that surprise)

Coment #2: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:43:14

Pussreboots

It was published in 1982, one of the last ones before his death in 1983. It was re-released in 1999.