The Table That Ran Away to the Woods

K-Gr 3—First published in 1963, this simple yet visually intriguing book about a writing table that returns to its "roots" was created by two Polish avant-garde artists whose work in filmmaking and children's books made them leading figures in the 1930s. Although the translated rhyming text is occasionally a bit awkward, the environmental theme and photographic collage illustrations feel remarkably fresh 50 years later ("Now the warm sun of spring melted frost all around,/my table stood still, taking root in the ground."). Bold pops of color in both pictures and text add interest and depth to the generally black-and-white palette, while words float freely across the page in shapes that mimic the art. This is a book that has the potential to spark a conversation about the impact of humans on nature, and about the power of collage to convey the artist's message.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library