The new book Northwoods Lullaby is a collaboration between author Mary Casanova and illustrator Jordan Sundberg. The lyrical picture book follows a parent and child on an explorative walk in the woods just before bedtime.
"The words all come from elements of nature, which is my big love and what inspires me and keeps me going," says Casanova. "It is weaving that love of family, love of nature, and really celebrating the care of little ones." The story is set in the springtime, allowing for plenty of green landscapes and a large cast of baby animals and their parents.
Once the words were set, it was Sundberg's turn to add to the story through visuals. "My main challenge was to think about how do I want the pictures to say something that the words aren't saying," says Sundberg. "I began daydreaming... and thinking about our family's walks through the woods." Though not explicit in the text, Sundberg added a human adult and child throughout the woodland locations, each image created with the use of watercolor, ink, and fabric.
"It feels like she found a way to expand the story beyond what I submitted," says Casanova of Sundberg's contributions. "That's what a good picture book is able to do." As a bonus, there is a QR code at the end of the book to access a musically composted version of the text.
Both Casanova and Sundberg will be at Zenith Bookstore on May 2nd from 11am-12pm for a storytime event. Later that same day, author and illustrator will be at The Bookstore at Fitger's from 3-5pm for a meet and greet. The book is also available online through the University of Minnesota Press.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
