Christopher Wormell's "Fifteen Leopard Rosettes"

I've promoted Christopher Wormell's linocuts for children on this blog once before. But such gorgeously illustrated picture books deserve repeated mention.

Just this week I stumbled a rather well-loved copy of his counting book Teeth, Tails, & Tentacles in the library at my daughter's preschool. One of my favorite things about this book was the use of unexpected vocabulary. For example, for the number 15, Wormell features fifteen leopard rosettes. I've never before encountered the use of that term to describe the large, two-toned spots on a cat, but it's lovely and fitting. So often books for the very young avoid using big words, which is a shame, since how else are children to learn such words if they aren't exposed to them in a memorable context?

Wormell's bold linocuts are definitely memorable. I encourage readers to peruse the entire collection of his illustrated children's books on his website, here.

"T is the Tiger" by Christopher Wormell

Since I finished the prints for my own alphabet book, I decided to write about a print from another artist's alphabet book. Christopher Wormell, a highly prolific English printmaker, published numerous books, several of which were made up of a series of small prints featuring animals. Such titles include The Alphabet of Animals, Teeth, Tails and Tentacles, and Mice, Morals, and Monkey Business.

Orange stripes slither out of the darkness like ribbons of ominous light. A honey-colored puddle wriggles under the steady pace of the tiger's steps. All that is lit is of a bright and cheerful hue, but that really only serves to heighten the drama of the darkness and all the possible danger hidden in those shadows. Danger, such as eyes focused on prey, and sharp teeth and claws, poised to emerge.