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Thursday, April 29, 2010

My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil, written and illustrated by Hanoch Piven. Schwartz & Wade. Random House, 2010. $20.99 ages 4 and up


"When Grandma comes to visit, she asks so
many questions about school.
This time, instead of giving her the same old
boring answers, I have an idea..."

The show is on. When Grandma asks her usual questions about school, her teachers and her friends, our young artist friend decides that showing is the best way of introducing the people in her life. She has a brief description of each; but it is the art that will bring the most 'aahs!'

I will share the first one:

"Mrs. Jennings talks in a voice
as sweet as candy
(except when she is very excited).

She can spell anything,
without making one mistake!

And she smells soooo
lovely - as lovely as flowers.

But you gotta be careful:
she notices everything,
just like a pair of glasses."

Turn the page and you come face to face with Mrs. Jennings.

Her face is a slate, with blue button eyes, a kazoo-like horn for a nose, a wrapped pink candy for her mouth, magnetic alphabet letters for her hair and a gouache designed body . She holding a notebook with a big red A+ on it.

You know where I'm going with this...what fun to share it and then let aspiring artists go to it....with their dogs, friends, family, soccer team, whatever comes to mind.

It is not just an art book. The words that describe the people included are carefully chosen and most appropriate. There is humor, thoughtful consideration and fun to be had. The endpapers are a brightly colored collection of the items used to create the zany works in this most entertaining book, and more.

I immediately put a previous book, My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks on my wish list. I will look forward to its arrival!

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