Total Pageviews

Saturday, June 29, 2024

The Truth About the Couch, written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Liniers. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 5 and up

 


"Hang on a second - 
couches don't grow 
on a farm. 

Sure they do! 
Farmers plant very tiny 
little couch seeds. 

Where do you think we get 
the term couch potato?
"

A dapper fox is our host for this close look at the many different sofas in use in the world. Whether it is a daybed, a chesterfield, a pullout, a futon, or a 'lip couch', we use them for one reason or another. They are many sizes, colors, shapes, and their uses are often unique.  

When it comes to pillow sliding, an explanation is needed. As the fox prepares to demonstrate, an opossum with a tape gun is quick to bleep the drawing in an effort to prevent an accident that might result from a sofa being used for such a dangerous pursuit. The fox demands to know if the possum is part of the furniture police; the opossum does not understand. 

The fox explains: 

"They're a secret elite enforcement squadron. 
They ride dinosaurs and lasso runaway 
couches with barbed wire.

With an attentive audience, the fox goes on and on about his truth concerning the couch. Opossum is not impressed with the untruths being shared; the fox cannot help but exaggerate his opinions. Fox tries again ... and fails. Opossum will not be fooled. His tape gun gets a workout, trying to dispel the nonsense Fox is spouting. 

The dramatic arrival of the furniture police manages to change the narrative for the Opossum who finally succumbs to the drivel he is being fed by Fox with his crazy assertions. This is an illustrated book that works for young readers for its absurdity and entertainment. Older readers (and their adults) are sure to see the satire concerning conspiracy theories and their effects. Linier's artwork matches the humor while creating the many scenarios brought to the Opossum's attention by a shifty and convincing Fox. 

No comments:

Post a Comment