"Right ...
But they had lost the treasure map.
They searched for any trace or scrap.
At last they knew just where to look,
and found it folded in a -
HIS POCKET!
Of course."
My granddaughters arrived today, and I can hardly wait to read this book to them. It's going to be so much fun! The digital illustrations are very appealing, the characters likeable and funny, and the rhyming text is just right for us. I'm quite sure we will read it more than one time. There will be giggles and guffaws!
Every rhyme engages, then surprises. Here's the premise:
"The other day I wrote this book.
You won't believe how long it took.
It rhymed, and I was super proud.
It sounded great when read out loud.
But then my sister came along,
and now the story sounds all wro -
BETTER!"
You get the picture, don't you? The writer is very proud to share what he considers his best work until his sister wreaks havoc for each one of his impeccable rhymes. No matter his sister's interjections, he moves forward and does his best to remain patient with her adaptations. As the rhymes are read, listeners will be able to anticipate what comes next - only to be surprised each time by the little girl's take on it all.
It's a story of knights and glory, a search for treasure that takes them to space and back, a clash with a pirate ship, and an impromptu dance celebration. Leaving the pirates behind to continue their search for treasure, they are met by a 'mighty monster'; it's the final straw for the writer over his sister's messing with his book's story. While reaming her out over her actions, he makes a grand discovery. She knew it all along!
The knight is left in a sticky spot; can the two solve that plot twist together? What do you think?
Full of imaginative wordplay, humor, adventure, unpredictability, and collaboration, it's a joy to read. In the words of a Peter Reynolds' quote from my office bulletin board, this is 'wisdom dipped in words and art'. That is what great children's books are!
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