The best children’s books about seeing things differently

As a recovering perfectionist, it took (and still can take) a long time for me to appreciate an unexpected development. Like my younger self, Farmer McPhee has a clear vision for every one of the perfect yellow lemons growing in his orchard. They will be used for sweet cakes, zingy sherbets, ice-cold drinks, and — [gasp] — he discovers a glaring glitch that could ruin all of his plans. Luckily, not everyone sees things like Farmer McPhee and a glitch for one person is pure inspiration for another.

As a kid, I remember staring out the window during car rides and being mesmerized by shapes, repetition, and motion. This masterfully designed book captures that dream-like quality during a daytime road trip from country into city. The detailed black-and-white illustrations use silhouette and pattern to convey the shifting scenery. And just when you think the book has come to an end, you flip the entire thing over and travel back home — at night!

The grass is not always greener on the other side, especially with these two friends. One wants to travel the world (deserts! mountains! tundra!), while the other wants to stay at home (swimming! baking! ice skating!). Rather than be envious of each other, they share their adventures via postcards and the recipient’s own experience is further deepened. Inspired by this exchange, for many years a friend and I would alternate being “Toot” or “Puddle,” sending postcards to each other about our adventures near and far.

“Green witch, red shoes” automatically comes to my mind with this title (courtesy of the popular 1939 musical). I am so grateful to acclaimed illustrator Lizbeth Zwerger — who *never* saw that film — for her fresh and captivating interpretation of this story. Baum’s original silver shoes are here and “Dainty China Country” is not forgotten. I still enjoy the “green witch, red shoes” version, but having an alternative perspective gives the source text even more depth.

It’s an accomplishment to change a reader’s perspective once in a book, if not twice. Yet this book manages to do so with every page turn. Just when you think the author has run out of room (to zoom!), another visual twist is added to the cunning and wordless sequence. A friend gave me this book as a gift years ago; I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I seek out that same friend’s advice when looking for second opinions.