Recess: A Picture Book
By Lane Smith
Abrams Books, 2025.
Age 4 – 8 years.
Personally, I adore books by Lane Smith. Here, award-winning creator Mr. Smith presents an interactive read-aloud that invites readers to take a break, “run wild with their imaginations, and join in on some good-natured, school-sanctioned shenanigans.”
I like that Smith has dedicated this book, “To my Alma Mater, Parkridge Elementary School, Corona, CA.”
We learn that school is where you go to learn. It is fun. But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun. That is why there is recess. But what if it’s not recess time? No problem!
Ready for some silliness?
Page one:
The book guides us through a typical school day when students may need just a special break.
You can have a Now Recess,
a Really-Need-a-Break Recess,
a Wherever-You-Are Recess.
It doesn’t matter what you call it.
Just make sure you shout it:
RECESS!
The amazing artwork is created with oil paint, colored pencils, cold wax, sandpaper and digital scribbling on wood panels.
Enjoy the distinctive humor and beloved art of bestselling author/ illustrator Lane Smith, because this newish book is a perfect stress reliever to send readers into giggles and help them shake out their wiggles.
Molly Leach designed this book and collaborated with her husband, Lane Smith. They have moved to a remote, wooded part of Connecticut.
In his journal Smith wrote:
When I was a kid I loved school, my teachers and my classroom. But sometimes I would just hit that wall. And sometimes I would see my classmates a little droopy too. This book will fix that.*
*Your results may vary. — Lane
Submitted by Karen Kosko
