Mr. Frank, written and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher. Groundwood, 2014. $16.95 ages 5 and up

"It would need to be stylish.
Even more stylish that the
suits he made over fifty years
ago.

It would certainly need to be
playful. Even more playful
than the dresses and skirts he
hemmed forty-some-odd years
ago."

You are likely to admire Mr. Frank from the moment you meet him! He is a tailor, who has been doing the work he loves since he was very young. As he nears the end of his career, one order brings his love of the job full circle...he has never been so excited about a project.

As he contemplates the work, he thinks back on his many years and the many tasks he has tackled...army uniforms, suits, dresses and skirts, a wide collection of hip outfits, jeans and tutus. It's been a worthwhile way of living for sixty years!

This new project? Nothing matters more:

"The fabric Mr. Frank chose today was
velvety soft, as light as silk, more durable
than denim and as warm and cozy as the
finest felt.

The design was so simple it was elegant.
And so strong it could be worn and washed
a thousand times - plus one."

It must be perfect! Indeed it is...

Do you want to know what the special project looks like? Get out there and find a copy of this lovely homage to a father, and grandfather. It is very special.

Irene Luxbacher uses graphite and mixed media to create the gentle, warm artwork to provide a retrospective look at the tailored styles through the years that Mr. Frank has plied his trade. The collage images are sure to hold your attention and elicit discussion concerning history in the making, as we pause to ponder the fabrics, the archival photos, the aging process  of a man who found his calling early in life, and followed his heart until his final, most successful day in his shop.  Still, there is work to be done...