I'm a sucker for a great picture book cover, and this one makes me laugh EVERY time. The protagonist of SMALL SAUL by Ashley Spires (Kids Can Press, 2011) isn't your average pirate: he'd rather redecorate than rampage, and his "tough" tattoo is a bunny. Will he ever fit in with his shipmates on The Rusty Squid? Funny illustrations + a fresh take on the "just be yourself" message = MUST READ!
Ever started a word game with a friend that turned into a no-rules IMAGINATIONFEST? Feel this again--illustrated!--with Calef Brown's BOY WONDERS (Atheneum, 2011). Peek into a boy's mind as it runs, no-rules, with do, is, are, if, suppose, would, does, any and how about through a variety of creative ponderings. (It had me at "Do bees get hives?") Brilliant wordplay + Brown's fantastically unique art = MUST READ!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Guess what I did today! I joined The Apocalypsies, the fabulous group of kidlit authors with debut books scheduled for release in 2012! And, I wrote a little song:
Ohhh, I'm an Apocalypsie! My book comes out in twenty-twelve! Hope I get the chance To earn my advance Before the end of the world!
I am DELIRIOUSLY happy. I have always wished for the PERFECT skunk picture book.
I got my wish!
A PET FOR PETUNIA by Paul Schmid (Harper, 2011) is not your typical "child wants a pet" PB. Sure, there are the standard pleas and promises to the parents regarding feeding and walking and sanitation.
But Petunia doesn't want a dog or a cat...
Hysterical twist + witty text + delightful illustrations = MUST READ!
