wonderful low tech over high tech story - imagination in use ( )

Playing with an electronic device - an iPad, or perhaps an e-reader of some kind? - the young boy in this wordless picture-book is surprised and distracted by a jointed tape-measure in his father's tool shed, and ends up using this yellow device as a prop in a game of make believe. Creating everything from a tree to a whale with the tape measure, the boy engages in imaginative play that eventually draws his father in...

Originally published in Brazil as O carpinteiro, this wordless tale is meant, according to artist Bruna Barros' brief foreword, as an encouragement to young children to imagine an adventure for themselves. The artwork is appealing - always a plus, in a book without words! - using black silhouette and a limited range of shades to create simple but imaginative scenes. Recommended to anyone looking for new wordless picture-books, or children's books encouraging imaginative play. ( )