I DON’T CARE, by Julie Fogliano, Molly Idle, Juana Martinez-Neal, Neal Porter Books, Nov. 22, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-6)
Two friends explore what does and does not matter in friendship in I Don’t Care, by Julie Fogliano, Molly Idle, Juana Martinez-Neal.
Like the two stars of this story, illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal know that differences only make a good friendship stronger.
“Mostly I care that you’re you and I’m me,
and I care that we’re us,
and I care that we’re we.”
With each artist designing and drawing one character, and collaborating on the scenery and details, Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal transformed this story into a celebration of friendship — including their own — and a unique artistic vision.
Working remotely, they swapped drawings across the country, using a limited palette of teal and yellow over graphite. As artwork passed back and forth between their mailboxes, childhood versions of each artist came to life and came together on the page into one unified creation. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books
I Don’t Care is a charming picture book that is fun from cover to cover. The framework for this visual feast is Julie Fogliano’s rhythmic text which fairly bounces when read aloud.
Idle and Martinez-Neal’s expressive illustrations are imaginative and so much fun. The simple palate helps emphasize how differences overlap. And the characters are so sweet.
I Don’t Care is great fun for kids, but I can see adults gifting to their good friends as well.
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