My Subway Runs

PreS-Gr 1–This is a sparse, poetic journey of a boy and mother, both with tan skin, traveling into the heart of the city. Sentences flow like the gentle beat of the subway itself, with each line a whispered poem. The text nearly disappears on some pages, overtaken by acrylic artwork that takes readers’ eyes from top to bottom, then back to center in unpredictable bursts. (For group-sharing, preview the book beforehand, so you don’t lose your place mid-read.) Pratt’s depiction of this every-city is alive with expressionist caricatures of a diverse population. His exaggerated facial features and playful distortions create a vibrant street-life narrative that speaks as loudly as the words. Children and adults alike will delight in the emotional nuance and whimsical energy of his compositions. The evocative, rhythmic, and lyrical text pairs perfectly with Pratt’s warm illustrations.