State authors

2 new picture books delight

Two Wisconsin giants of children’s literature have new picture books out — and will sign them for fans during local appearances.

In Madison author-illustrator Kevin Henkes’ “Egg,” three of four colorful eggs hatch into cute pink, blue and yellow birds. They wait a long time for the fourth, green egg to hatch. When it finally does, a surprise pops out.

Many of the panels in this picture book are wordless, making the strong action and feeling words that Henkes uses more powerful.

“Egg” would make a fine sequel for readers of his Caldecott Honor book “Waiting” (2015). Both books visualize how hard waiting can be for young readers (and for the people who read to them).

Henkes will sign copies of “Egg” at 2 p.m. Jan. 14 at Boswell Books, 2559 N. Downer Ave. His many other books include “Kitten’s First Full Moon” (2004), a Caldecott Medal winner, and “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.”

“Heart to Heart” (or “♥2♥” as its cover succinctly proclaims) has many of the qualities that make a Lois Ehlert board book delightful: bright colors, collaged and cut-paper shapes, loving shout-outs to fruits and vegetables.

The Milwaukee author-illustrator’s new book is also a nonstop punfest. With visual assistance from nature’s bounty, her book declares “lettuce get 2gether,” “Whenever U turnip” and “Do you carrot all 4 me?”

Parental and grandparental readers can enjoy the pleasure of watching their children grasp Ehlert’s puns. But as its texting friendly letters and numbers suggest, “♥2♥” would also make a fine Valentine’s Day present from one adult to another, especially if you met cute in the produce section, or fell in love gardening together.

Ehlert will sign books at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at Boswell Books.