Cirrus@Austlit

'As I delved into the box of books that arrived from Canadian publisher Simply Read, I was immediately impressed by the wide variety I found. Not only were the books of all sizes, shapes, formats, and designs, they also spanned multiple genres and audiences. Primarily picture books or illustrated books, they included board books for very young readers, books with edgy and often philosophical humour, classics with striking new illustrations, books with historical and/or cultural implications, and mysterious books exploring the surreal and twisting perspective. The company's website makes a commitment to quality productions in text and graphics, noting its intent to produce "contemporary books with a modern appearance and fresh outlook" and stories "that link the past with the present" ("About Us"). As Perry Nodelman had promised when he invited me to review this innovative press, I found many works that are graphically startling and inventive, and many that are thoughtful and provocative, involving complex messages regarding human values and philosophical perspectives. The more accessible books for younger children have bright visuals and evocative language and sounds, and many are educational in various ways. It is not surprising that the books have garnered a significant number of awards and honourable mentions from across the world.' (Introduction)