Ballad Board book – Picture Book, November 5, 2013

This lovely little hardback book is transcendent.The author writes in a deceptively simple style, with a few words per page and lovely drawings reminiscent of Saul Bass' "Henri Goes To Paris." Each page is a work of art in itself. The typography, as seen on the cover, goes throughout the book and is inspiring.The narrative is simple, yet mind-expanding. Little kids will learn vocabulary and be entranced by the pictures. Older kids will marvel at the imagination of the lead character. Adults who have long left the days of simply walking to school and dreaming will momentarily be drawn back into that world, a world lost to them now, but magical and still there, somewhere, in the deep recesses of their minds.This would be a perfect gift for anyone in your life with small children. (Or adults)

I gave this book as a gift to an artist friend who enjoys children's books. She found it beautiful and intriguing, as did I. It is well constructed, with heavy paper and a good binding.The illustration and font styles shown on the cover carry throughout the book, and the text is much more a poetic exploratory journey than a story. If given to a child, this would I think be best as a book to share with an adult than to read alone.

By far the biggest (page-wise) book I've ever purchased for my pre-schooler. It seems a little daunting, at first, but once immersed in the story, it's easy to breeze through the pages, lost in an imaginative fairy-tale, of sorts. I highly recommend to anyone who is an artist, designer, writer, philosopher, or creative of any type. Definitely fun for children with big imaginations. And it's beautiful, and wonderful to touch, to boot!

Not sure why it was so highly rated..

This is Oulipo and Propp all rolled into one - and it's a good spliff of sorts, sending you in a daze that's also a maze and that's going to make you see yourself as a young person, discovering the world of reading, fantasy, legend - all over again. Incredibly well done, a feat, and a feast as well.

Not really a children's book, though it is beautiful and in line with other works from Blexbolex. Would be great for teens or adults interested in art or creative writing.

but very disappointed in actual book. Not much of a story...........and the art didn't appeal to me. You can't always depend on the reviewer...............(even this one)

This is not a book to read. Rather, it's to enjoy and try your imagination, to play with your child guessing what is going to happen next, to look for details in your way to school if you walk with him/her if you have the chance. Wonderful illustrations, and good workmanship in the printing.

Apart from being a touch long for my 3.5 year old (he fell asleep before the end even though he was totally into it), it's a fantastic book we both love to read. It's great that there's a narrative but the structure is challenging and prompts you & your kid to evaluate and question what is happening and why. Makes for an engaging story time. And it's truly beautiful.

I ordered this as a gift for my 15 year old sister who loves to write and illustrate her own stories. I was worried it would be a bit young for her, but she really enjoyed it and said it wasn’t too young at all. It’s a really beautiful book that defies categorization, and a really nice gift to young readers and artists regardless of age. We need more interdisciplinary books like this in the world.

Absolutely horrible quality of printing paper... do not be carried away by the illustrations...the illustrations are in a faded ink not the glossy pages one usually expects in a picture book... had to return the book...

Gorgeous printing and such a clever idea for a book. The journey from the school to home becomes more and more complicated with each retelling of the story. I love how the typography mirrors what happens in the book. Great for reading aloud.

Bellissimo libro di Blexbolex (illustratore che adoro). Lo svolgimento del racconto è originalissimo e si presta a più interpretazioni. È un libro per raffinati cultori (e appassionati) di illustrazione.