Picture books for children – reviews Imogen Carter
Picture books that can bring tears to the eyes even after repeated reads are few and far between. John Burningham mastered the skill with
Granpa, as did Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb with
The Paper Dolls. But it’s particularly impressive that debut author Lauren Ace and illustrator Jenny Løvlie achieved the feat while fresh to the game with
The Girls, about four schoolgirls whose friendship and lives blossom under an old apple tree. The tale won the illustrated book category of the 2019 Waterstones children’s book prize, and the pair have since received messages from readers worldwide thanking them for reflecting their own friendships and inspiring the next generation.