#1 - Plat Du Jour

by McCloud Zicmuse, Anne Brugni & Philippe UG

For my first pick off the shelves, I have chosen this wild and beautiful wordless pop up; Plat Du Jour by McCloud Zicmuse, Anne Brugni & Philippe UG…

I got this book in 2019 on a trip to Brussels, the bookshop was in a very beautiful little arcade and had an amazing collections of titles, making it very hard to pick.

Although when i finally did, the lady at the till did congratulate me on a great selection i took home with me. I am sure yo will see of these in future posts.

This one however jumped out at me instantly and i couldn’t put it down…

The concept is simple, a menu [the only text in the book, although it is its own thing], a plate for each course and the element of pop up. But combined with the vibrant textured shapes of Anne Brugni’s illustrations and the way the book is constructed it makes a magnificent book.

It is through this book that I was lead to more of Anne Brugni’s work, which i highly recommend you go take a look at. Simple shape making - see the cutlery for an example of this, thats fun but also wonderfully bright colours and texture making all add up to something scumptious and whimsical whilst also exploding off the page, and with the pop-ups they quite literally do.

Each page is so inviting. I am a big fan of food in picture books and this is most definitely one of my favourites, so playful.

Every now and then, i take this book off the shelf and go through it, it pleases me no end, its a complete joy and forever makes me smile. Sometimes a simple concept can be the best.

I love how each plate jumps off the page, but of course dessert is the best plate of the whole book… i mean who doesn’t want a lava exploding tier cake to finish off their meal?!?

Plat Du Jour is published by French publisher, Les Grandes Personnes, if you haven’t come across this publisher yet do seek them out. Their books are beautiful and often feature pop ups, as well as interesting bindings and elements. More of their books grace my shelf and I am sure you will see more of them soon.

Happy Readings!