Cover Reveal: Climb On by Baptiste Paul, ill. Jacqueline Alcántara

Why do people have children? Love, sure. Future security, maybe. Legacy, perhaps. But as far as I’m concerned, there’s at least one really good and legitimate reason that people simply don’t discuss as often as they might: They get you off yer butt. Seriously. If I didn’t have two kids I could totally imagine myself (wistful sigh) lounging in my home on a Saturday morning or lazily watching some TCM flick on a sunny summer afternoon. Instead I’m biking around town, hauling their butts to swim class or soccer or piano lessons. If I sit down for just one second, it draws the inevitable, “Mom, what should I dooooo?”

If I didn’t have kids, I’d be a motionless blob. For this, and many other reasons, I am glad I have them.

On that note, it is my supreme delight to introduce the latest book from power picture book duo Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara. By any chance, do you happen to remember their previous collaboration The Field? That 2018 release was the high-spirited, frenzied answer to all those depressing, dull, staid stories out there. As I said of it at the time, “I’ve never been to Saint Lucia, and maybe I never will, but when I read The Field by Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara I at least catch the barest whiff of the place in as eclectic, exciting, and downright fun a format as possible.” Now they’re together again for the brand new Climb On!

As the publisher describes it:

When a young child reminds her dad about the hike they planned, her father is hesitant. To the tippy top? It’s a great day to watch futbol (soccer). But as the two climb on, her enthusiasm is contagious. Filled with setbacks, surprises, and stunning views, this warm and humorous story highlights in vivid colors the bonding power of a shared experience. A list of creatures at the end prompts a second look for keen-eyed readers to make discoveries of their own.

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara (co-creators of The Field) have teamed up again! Baptiste’s humorous and tender text, with a sprinkling of Creole words straight from the Pitons, and Jacqueline Alcántara’s vibrant and evocative illustrations capture the wonder and emotions experienced on the trail and the special relationship between a parent and a child. 

Folks, let’s do better than a simple cover reveal. Let’s show off some interior art as well. Shall we?

Let’s shall:

You can click on the images to make them larger, if you like.

I know it’s not out until 2/22/22, but this is one book I’ll certainly be keeping an eye peeled for. Lush and lovely, with an original story. Many thanks to Riky Stock and the good folks at North South Books for this cover reveal.

Filed under: Cover Reveal