#196 of 1001 · February 12, 2021

Dive into a world of play made real with the delightful Beyond the Pond by @josephkuefler. Ernest D. combats boredom by donning his scuba gear and swimming into the murky waters of his pond, accompanied only by his trusty dog. On the pond’s mysterious “other side” he finds dazzling vistas, ghastly beasts, and the thrill of the unknown. When he journeys back home, his house and its surrounding environs all seem a little less ordinary, a little more intriguing. Kuefler constructs a winningly cheerful protagonist in Ernest D., whose catchphrase (“Sensational!”) reflects both an adventurer’s unbridled enthusiasm and a naturalist’s sense of wonder. The mixed-media and digital illustrations possess a boldly cinematic quality, cleverly depicting the small-town setting in drab hues at the height of Ernest D.’s boredom and adding subtle touches of color to reflect his lifted spirits on his return. #beyond #pond #dive #swim #swimming #underwater #magic #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbooks #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks