Best Picture Books of the Year

A city in shades of grey, a window, a man. His life is dull and surely needs a change. Walking in the city, he appears and disappears from time to time, lost in a world of black and white. Until a green hauling rope appears, and at the end of it, a puppy comes into existencetaking shape on a patch of green grass, and embarking Mr Black into a fantastic and colourful journey. Where will it take them?

This is a book to fight loneliness. In times of darkness, one needs a little something or someone able to trigger a glimmer of hope, a little reassurance or approbation that will make them find back a feeling of existence.

“Through her illustrations characterised by the use of clear lines and pieces of mysteriously unfinished shapes, Jiu’er has created an interesting and thought-provoking silent picture book. The interactions between the character and his little dog are simple yet significant. The story invites the young readers to get involved at all times and help them stretch and stimualte their imagination”. 

About the author

Formerly engaged in sculpture design, Jiu'er began focusing on children’s picture book creation in 2013, with her major works including Sister's Big Pumpkin; Monster Hill; Don’t Jump Rope with Frogs (2016 IBBY Honour List); The Cat living on the Tree, Grandma Yulan’s Straw Hat; Hometown; The Perfect Encounter; Twelve Puppies; Moose in Ewenki (2019 Wenjin Award), and silent books including Journey; Mr. Black and His Dog and Button Soldier. In 2016, Don’t Jump Rope with Frogs was included in the IBBY annual honor listed. She is the first Chinese female illustrator to gain such recognition.