I pre-ordered today’s Perfect Picture Book based on a heads up I read somewhere, thinking it will be a perfect present to share with my grandkids and to review for you.
Title: Forts
Written By: Katie Venit
Illustrated By: Kenard Pak
Publisher/Date: Viking/2025
Suitable for Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: forts, tree houses, imagination, safety
Opening:
The world is filled with forts. Tiny worlds within this world, safe as coat pockets.
Brief Synopsis: An exploration of different types and uses of forts.
Links to Resources:
· Build one or more do-it-yourself indoor forts;
· Head outside and look around. Can you find a spot that might make a good fort?
· Describe in words or pictures a place you go to be alone, to read, to play, or maybe to share with one or more special people or animals.
Why I Like this Book:
With lyrical language and richly colored illustrations, Venit and Pak explore many different types of forts. As Venit reminds readers at the outset, “the world is filled with forts.” What are they? Venit defines them as “tiny worlds within this world, safe as coat pockets.” What a lovely description! Every child and adult can conjure that feeling of stuffing hands into coat pockets and feeling warmer, safer, less alone.
Venit explores natural forts found in the forest, those built in the yard, and those found or built inside. Whether it’s a reading nook behind a curtain or under a staircase, a hiding spot under the kitchen table, or a castle crafted from cushions, forts are refuges and magical places to let our imaginations roam.
Pak’s watercolor, gouache, and digital illustrations filled with lush, woodsy shades and rich jewel-tones further Venit’s description of forts as magical places. Pak populates Venit’s story with one unnamed girl, with brief appearances by other unnamed characters.
Whether read at home or in a classroom, Forts is sure to be a favorite and to spur some fort-building adventures.
A Note about Craft:
As evident in the opening lines, forts are not just places. They are characters, with character traits that fit the many roles they serve. As Venit points out: “Not all forts are wild. Some live in your yard.” And they “hide inside your home, too.”
Venit addresses readers directly, encouraging us to find those wild forts, those living in our yards, and those hiding within our homes.
I love the nod to Virginia Wolf on the jacket flap: “Everyone needs a room of their own.” How true!
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 