Christoph Niemann (1) (1970–)

A very quick read but really great from start to finish. You don't have to be familiar with New York to appreciate Niemann's creative illustrations and humor. A lot of these are personal narratives that just happen to be done by a brilliant illustrator. Highlights for me included: My Way maps & the extra chapter on the creative process at the end. The variety of mediums was also delightful, ie: using napkins and painting with coffee to illustrate the authors love/hate relationship with the drink.… (more)

Of all the picture books I read in this category, Subway is hands down my favorite. As I have said in the past, I love visiting NYC with my dad. Given that, the theme of this book was right up my alley. Admittedly, the plot is nothing groundbreaking; it’s the simple story of a father taking his kids on the subway. For me, a basic plot can be excused if the art is pleasing. In that regard, Subway knocks it out of the park with painted images that are really great and eye-catching. So, for both how it reminds me of going to NYC with my father and it being as aesthetically pleasing as it is, Subway was my favorite picture book to read.… (more)