#542 of 1001 · January 24, 2022

David Lucas gives us a look at an unorthodox approach to social anxiety in his entertaining and heartfelt Halibut Jackson. The eponymous protagonist is so shy that he does his best to blend into the background at all times. He is so skilled at tailoring that he is able to design clothes that allow him to do just that: suits to blend in at the park, at the shops, at the library. One day, he receives an invitation to a birthday party for the queen. He promptly sets to work making a gleaming suit of silver, gold, and jewels in order to camouflage himself in the royal palace. When he arrives at the event, however, he discovers to his chagrin that it is a garden party. Out in the middle of the lawn, there is nowhere for him to hide. Just what will become of Halibut Jackson once everyone can see him for who he truly is? With a gentle, knowing author’s voice and merrily cluttered drawings, Lucas honors the wallflowers, those whom society might otherwise overlook, and asks what gifts they might have to contribute if we are willing to open our hearts and listen. #clothes #clothing #suit #tailor #camouflage #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks