R.E.M. (Rapid Eye Movement) (1997)
Istvan Banyai
The title and images on the cover of this book hint at Banyai’s dream-like story featuring literary characters we are all familiar with. The prince and princess, snowman, and image of Winnie the Pooh hint at the fairytale references in the story.
The gigantic feet alongside the figures and the eyes that pop out against the pitch black of the back cover and endpages suggest that there is a larger being manipulating these miniature icons, or simply dreaming up stories for them to act out.
In the opening, a drop of water morphs into a little blue boy reminiscent of Harold of “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” setting the stage for the imaginative stories that follow. Many readers are sure to find a connection to their childhood literary experiences, and it is important to give the eyes time to appreciate the subtle surprises in the lines of the artwork in this book.
Banyai’s bright palette pops against the pastel tones of the backgrounds in this playful book.
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