The Blue Table by Chris Raschka
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 0062937766
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

This simple book follows the life of a blue table. First, just one child is at the table, then one parent, then two parents, then another family. The people are never fully pictured. They are implied by the items on the table—a cup of milk and some paper and crayons, then a cup of coffee and a newspaper, then another cup of coffee and a book. The book also includes the table being covered in vegetables from the garden, an apple pie being constructed, and more tasks that go along with expecting company. When an extra leaf is put into the table, the feast is ready to begin. Again, none of the people are fully depicted, though we do see their arms and hands, and those illustrations have a variety of skin tones depicted. The text is very sparse with only one phrase per page. The illustrations are watercolor and paper cut collage, and completely carry the story. Since the text is so sparse, the illustrations are essential. Obviously, the blue table is at the center of each page, and there are many small but important details depicted on each spread. This would make a great read aloud and could be used as a story time book provided everyone can see the illustrations well (so maybe not the best for virtual reading). Recommended for readers 2 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME