Simple Pictures Are Best

by Nancy Willard

Stated first edition

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Photography, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

NANCY WILLARD was an award-winning children's author, poet, and essayist who received the Newbery Medal in 1982 for A Visit to William Blake's Inn. She wrote dozens of volumes of children's fiction and poetry, including The Flying Bed, Sweep Dreams, and Cinderella's Dress. She also authored two novels for adults, Things Invisible to See and Sister Water, and twelve books of poetry, including Swimming Lessons: New and Selected Poems. She lived with her husband, photographer Eric Lindbloom, and taught at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Reviews

[Taylor Schonert · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world that thrives off materialistic things and having everything exactly perfect, this is a book that is worth reading. The idea that things don't have to be complicated to be meaningful, because simple is the best is very powerful. This can mean a lot to students who may not have as much as their peers. They can make connections to the fact that it is okay to not have everything. In fact sometimes that is better. It is a lesson that all students should be exposed to at some point in their lives.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The shoemaker and his wife invite a photographer to come take their picture. They keep adding things to be in the picture, although the photographer repeatedly reminds them, "Simple pictures are best." It becomes a funny and complicated situation. Great illustrations.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids who have posed for pictures, especially family pictures, will appreciate this story. The pictures by Tomie DePaola tell most of the story, making it possible to "invent" the story with a child.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is humorous as a couple wants to take an anniversary picture, but they keep adding and adding unnecessary items to their picture. The photographer warns them that simple pictures are best. I think there is a nice message here in this book, but there is nothing outstanding or amazing about this children's book. I like the unique look of the illustrations, but honestly, that is the most memorable part. I was just hoping for a little bit more, but this is fine to read if you want a humorous little story.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book illustrated by Tomie dePaola, who was a favorite of mine growing up.

A husband and wife decide to get a portrait picture taken, back when this was a big event! They cannot decide what they want to wear, where the picture should be taken, and what to include as props in the photo. The photographer's young assistant is a little too helpful with his suggestions (to the photographer's chagrin), and the set up becomes more and more ridiculous with a surprising end result!

[flopsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to give this four stars because the tomie illustrations are so lovely and make me so happy. But that would be an injustice because I didn't love the story all that much. it was okay. i do wish the ending had been different. It's just not a super charming story. but the illustrations made the read 100% worth it :) so happy.

technical notes:
read from a Voyager/HBJ 1978 copy from a free children's book basket in the ncmc library. didn't take it home.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to visit with a friend and check out a few boxes of children's books she had kept from her childhood and her son's. The books are quite old and many are out of print, so it was a wonderful chance to revisit with some stories I read when I was young and to discover others I'd never seen before

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple live a simple life. They decide to get their photograph taken for their anniversary. But one thing leads to another, and the photographer keeps telling them, "simple pictures are best."

[Michelle Farella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious!

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great shaggy dog story. Crazy characters. But Alissa wants to know why the boy left with the photographer.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clever and funny!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha! That poor photographer (and assistant). I admire the couple for their simple life, as depicted early in the story... too bad they got caught up in the drama of their own making.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just want to live like this shoemaker. Seriously.

[Cheryl Leon Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author came to my school back in the seventies, and this is the book I went home with. A beloved part of my collection!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

June 22, 2012

[Dani Kappel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright, a shoe maker and his wife decide to have there picture taken and it turns out to be a big ordeal. It was good for vocabulary. I'd recommend it for ages 1-4.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

so true!