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!
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!
Welcome to my shiny new blog! There will be book news! There will be book reviews! There will be Amazing Feats of Skill and Daring!
That's all for now. I'm off to buy padding for the Amazing Feats of Skill and Daring part.
