Canadian picture-book author and artist Julie Morstad explores the world of children and the things they do in this imaginative, beautifully-illustrated picture-book. A very simple text, with a brief phrase on each two-page spread - "how to go fast / how to go slow" - is paired with the artist's trademark illustrations, depicting a diverse range of children engaged in those activities...

Although I enjoyed How To, and appreciated Morstad's lovely illustrations, I found that it didn't quite impress me to the extent that I had hoped, when picking it up. I have read and loved a number of picture-books that Morstad illustrated, but this was the first I have read where she was both author and illustrator. There's absolutely nothing wrong here, and I can see this being very engaging for younger children who are in the mood for simpler, more contemplative picture-books, but somehow it didn't strike that particular chord with me, and I ended up finding the narrative rather random, even while enjoying the illustrations, and the playful way they interpreted each "how to." In the end, this is one I'd recommend primarily to fellow Morstad fans, as the artwork is charming, and perhaps also to picture-book readers looking for quieter, less story-based books. ( )

How To by Julie Morstad is a picture book that celebrates imagination and play. The book has a diverse cast of children, each one showing how to do something.

For instance, there's a two page spread for "how to go fast." It shows a line of children crossing the pages. One is on a scooter. One is running. One is on stilts. One is wearing butterfly wings and is flapping her arms. One is giving another a piggy back ride.

Morstad's drawings remind me of Gunilla Wolde's Sarah and Tommy (the Totte series) books from the 1970s. I had a copy of Sarah and Tommy Dress Up showing a pair of children pretend to be different types of adults as they went through an old steamer trunk. It's a simplistic but magical story. How To captures those feelings.

Julie Morstad is an illustrator and author who lives in Vancouver, BC. ( )

Sweet, simple and full of peace. ( )