All EYES on Jon Klassen's BOARD BOOK Series

 Creator Jon Klassen has firmly established his style and successful track record in making distinctly, quirkily appealing picture books (His I WANT MY HAT BACK series, TRIANGLE, and so many others). In each case, the storytelling melds words and seemingly simple illustrations in ways that speak to audiences of every age, and that includes toddlers and adults. regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the narrative. In every case, his stylized eyes play a major role in the success of the storytelling and emotional journeys within the covers of the books.. 

In a recent board book series, each title of the sturdy and perfectly-sized books is populated by inanimate objects with their own sets of eyes. In each title the language pattern and story sequence follows a predictable template after reading even one. Despite seeming simplicity, each manages to introduce little ones to the power of narrative, its anticipated sequences, the comfort of a satisfying conclusion, and the ability to generate new meanings from otherwise familiar onbjects.

The series titles each feature YOUR.... followed by a noun/naming word that sets the stage for a little mini-drama within the few pages involved.

Candlewick Press 2026

Candlewick Press 2025

YOUR PLACES includes YOUR FARM, YOUR FOREST, and YOUR ISLAND, while the latest title, YOUR TRUCK, explores experiences of ownership, connection, and more. As the press summary describes, 

"Building on the quiet but evocative world he created

in Your Farm, Your Forest, and Your Island, Jon

Klassen invites young children to consider more

things that are theirs and theirs alone, reinforcing

that they have a right to solitude, exploration, and

companionship."

In every case the journey from opening page to closing is one of accumulative elements, arrangement options in relationship to the other elements, using simple language that depicts both obvious and imaginative traits (a fire that never grows out) and illustrations that are minimalist but also have depth and character. And those eyes. The few page turns needed to assemble a scene or connections lead to a shift toward sunset, the eyes closing, and night time. 

The power of these entertaining, conceptually complex, and magically simple books encourage engagement, awareness of language patterns, easy acquisition of basic concept words (orally and in print) while the dramatic significance of YOUR throughout the titles and lines assures that the child will feel full ownership of the story, the process of narrative, predictive capacity, and a sense of comfort within the world of books. 

In recent months I've focused on picture books for emerging and established readers, but that was not meant to diminish the layered and lovely importance off books for the youngest audiences. Even if you have no little ones in your lives, include a peek at these at your next library or bookstore stop. And if you DO have little ones in your life, make sure these are among their very own bookshelves.