Listen! Listen!

by Ann Rand

Paul Rand and his wife, Ann, wrote this book for their daughter, Catherine, to explain the interplay of sound and color. Paul's distinctive papercut illustrations of bold shapes and bursts of color beautifully complement Ann's rhythmic text, encouraging children to listen and repeat noises they hear every day: the "blop" of a raindrop, the "wham!" of a shutting door, the whisper of the wind in the trees, and the "crunch crunch" of buttered toast.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1970

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun, rhyming celebration of sounds has a touch of surrealism that makes books by authors such as Ruth Krauss such a delight. Several funny words and just general wackiness, along with bold, paper-cutout style illustrations.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful 1970 childrens' book was a collaboration between author Ann Rand and her famous husband, graphic designer Paul Rand. Recently reissued in an unabridged edition from Princeton Architectural Press, Listen! Listen! visualizes the act of hearing with easy-to-follow text and eye-catching art. The simple rhythm of the text makes an excellent book for reading aloud to younger kids (suggested for ages 3-5, according to the publishers). It's especially suitable for parents who would enjoy acting out the sounds of a hammer, raindrops, a lion, the wind, etc. For adults who enjoy nice design, it offers a way to see the whimsical side of Paul Rand. His illustrations combine paper cutouts and exuberant lines in beautifully composed, kinetic spreads. Despite being published 46 years ago, this book feels as contemporary as any current kiddie book - it takes real talent to do that!

The publisher supplied me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Fer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came for the illustrations by Paul Rand and stayed for the cozy beautiful rhymes by Ann Rand. A short children's book that sparks curiosity and it's actually very mindful to pay attention to our surroundings.