Jamie Michalak's Blog, page 28

Mr. Pig LIVE . . . with Bear!

Hello! Welcome to my hit talk show, Mr. Pig LIVE! I'm about to sit down for an exclusive interview with a reclusive picture book superstar! 

You know him as the curmudgeonly best friend of Mouse. He likes things his way and owns seven books. Let's give a big round of applause for . . . .

BEAR!
<<clap, clap, clap>>

Have a seat, Bear! I'm thrilled that I enticed you away from your own cottage to visit mine. Let's begin before you change your mind about this interview. . . .


What is your full name?  
Bear. 

Fascinating! What one word best describes you? 
Discerning.

Do you have a belly button?  
A bear never tells.

Right. What is the best thing about being you?  
My Tudor cottage. A woman named Kady MacDonald Denton designed it for me. It’s quite lovely. Cozy, homey, and very private. 

Sounds like my Cottage--but without the camera crew. What is the worst thing about being you?  
I seem to attract an unusual amount of attention.
 
A LIBRARY BOOK FOR BEAR. Text copyright © 2014 by Bonny Becker. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by Kady MacDonald Denton. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.
What is your favorite sound? 
The crackle of a cozy fire.
 
I agree. Just listen to that crackle. What is your least favorite sound?  
The crackle of candy wrappers.
 
Share one thing that most of our readers don’t know about you.  
I may have a belly button.

Aha! The truth comes out. You heard it here first, folks! What is your idea of the perfect day?  
A lovely breakfast, followed by a rather aimless wandering about, then perhaps a snack, then it might be time for lunch. Then a nice bit of reading. A nap, of course. Maybe, if I’m feeling particularly grand, a visit from Mouse. Dinner. Another nice bit of reading and bedtime. No interruptions or unnecessary celebrations or excessiveness. I like an orderly sort of day.

What is your favorite word?  
Indubitably.

What is you least favorite word?  
Empty.

A LIBRARY BOOK FOR BEAR. Text copyright © 2014 by Bonny Becker. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by Kady MacDonald Denton. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.
What are you reading right now?  
The Very Brave Bear and the Treasure of Pickle Island.

An excellent read. It's on my Little Crooked Bookshelf. If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring? 
Pickles.

If you have a pocket, what is in it right now?   
There is a pocket in my apron and in it is a tiny bit of lint.

What is your pet peeve?
Crumbs.

What was it like working with Bonny Becker?  
Delightful. She is a woman of great understanding of Bear types. However, she insists on bringing that mouse along whenever she visits.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?  
One egg, one slice of toast and a nice cup of tea.

Well, I do hope you saved room for lunch, Bear. Our caterer Nina of Lunches with Love has made a Bear bento especially for you! Thank you, Bear, and please stay for a bite. No pickles, but I'll try not to make any crumbs. 

About the author
Bonny Becker is author of the best-selling Mouse and Bear books, including A Visitor for Bear, New York Times bestseller, winner of the E.B. White Read Aloud Award and Amazon’s Picture Book of the Year. Her latest in the series is A Library Book for Bear released July 2014. Her middle-grade novel, The Magical Ms. Plum, won the 2010 Washington State Children’s Book Award. In all, she’s published thirteen books for children. She is also an instructor for the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, an accredited program for a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing. 

For more information about Bonny and Bear, visit bonnybecker.com.

About the illustrator
Kady MacDonald Denton is an author and illustrator of books for children. Her books include the Mouse and Bear books; You're Mean, Lily Jean; The Queen of France, and many more. Kady works at the top of the tall yellow brick house, in an attic studio that has lots of room and a skylight. Her books have won awards, are translated into many languages, and are read by children around the world. She lives with her husband in Peterborough, Ontario. Their children are grown but often visit to say hello.

To learn more about Kady, visit her website.





About A Library Book for Bear
Published by Candlewick Press (July 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-07636-4924-1

"Mouse works hard to persuade gruff-but-lovable bear to become a library user. ... Excellent text and layout combine with friendly illustrations to set the newest generation of readers laughing at the well-worn joke of someone bellowing for quiet in the library." —Kirkus Reviews
 
"Friends with very different personalities are a staple of picture books, but few duos are as dependably fresh and amusing as Mouse and Bear." —Booklist

* "Young readers wary of new experiences can count on Bear to lead the way." —School Library Journal, starred review

Read all of the award-winning books about Bear and Mouse!
A Bedtime for Bear
A Birthday for Bear
A Visitor for Bear
The Sniffles for Bear
 
 

Literary Lunch . . . A LIBRARY BOOK FOR BEAR

Can you ever have enough books? Not in our opinion! But Bear from A LIBRARY BOOK FOR BEAR is not so sure. This sweet book, written by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, tells the story of Bear's first trip to the library. Bear is quite sure he needs only the seven books he already owns, while his best friend, Mouse, tries to show him all the library has to offer. 

Will Bear check out a book? Find out in A LIBRARY BOOK FOR BEAR!



Nina from Mamabelly packed a lunch that is perfect for a walk to the library:a chocolate spread Bear sandwichan apple slice with the word READa small basket with snacks for Bear and Mouse: pretzel FISH and CHEESEand some library books made out of a cereal bar and fruit leather

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

HUG MACHINE   
by Scott Campbell 

This week's pick is by Cottager Kara LaReau.

What it's all about ...
Meet the Hug Machine. He hugs everyone (and everything) he sees, and no one can resist his unbelievable hugging. But what happens after a tiring day, when the Hug Machine’s services are needed?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf ...
We fully embrace Scott Campbell’s hilarious (and hyper-affectionate) new picture book character.

Our favorite lines ...
People often ask what the Hug Machine eats to keep the hugging energy high. Well, the answer is pizza. The Hug Machine likes pizza very much. 

Our favorite illustration ... 

From THE HUG MACHINE. Copyright 2014 by Scott Campbell.
Why kids will love it ...
Fun illustrations and an exuberant character. The Hug Machine cannot be stopped!

Why grown-ups will love it ...
A great read-aloud, guaranteed to keep everyone’s hugging energy high!

Quote of the Week

“Squeeze your eyes closed, as tight as you can, and think of all your favorite autumns, crisp and perfect, all bound up together like a stack of cards. . . Try to smell the hard, pale wood sending up sharp, green smoke into the afternoon. To feel the mellow, golden sun on your skin, more gentle and cozier and more golden than even the light of your favorite reading nook at the close of the day.”

― Catherynne M. Valente, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Mr. Pig Visits. . . Debbie Ridpath Ohi!

Well, I'll tell you, folks, this has been an ALL-STAR week in the The Little Crooked Cottage. I don't mean to brag, but I've outdone myself!

I know what you're thinking. . . you're thinking: What's that Mr. Pig going to do next? Or you're thinking: Who's he wearing? That suit is fabulous! Answers: I'm visiting the studio of the one and only Debbie Ridpath Ohi! And: Armani Kids. (Well, what do you expect? I'm 2' 3" and it's not like they have a pigswear collection.) *snort*

But enough about me! Time to visit one of my favorite author/artists! Debbie Ohi is the illustrator of Michael Ian Black's NAKED! and I'M BORED and the hilarious INKYGIRL comics, among dozens of other exciting projects, including a slew of new books she has both written and illustrated releasing soon from Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and Random House.

Honestly, I wonder how she does it all! Let's see if we can find out. . .

<<knock, knock>>
Photo: Jeff Ridpath
Hello, Debbie!

So excited to have you visit, Mr. Pig! Please, do come in. Watch your step; my office is here down in the basement. Be warned that it's not nearly as airy and spacious as the other offices you've visited.

Trust me, I'm used to small spaces. The cottage where I live is very cozy (and a little crooked). I'll be right at home.

I painted that odd-looking grass when we first moved in:


Not odd. . .  Mysterious. <grin>

I also painted a tree in the corner. . .

 
but I realized I needed more places to put my things, so covered most of it up with shelves:

Oh dear, hold on while I tidy up those folders on the floor. When I'm working on sketches for my book projects, I keep all the sketches for each page in a separate folder.

Here, let me make you some peppermint tea. . .


How did you know peppermint was my favorite? You are too kind. Mmmm, delicious!

My, Mr. Pig, you do look quite dapper.

Why, thank you. You look lovely, too, Debbie. Red is your color. 

Thank you! Anyway, as you may have noticed already, I have quite a LOT of books in my office. Here are some of my favourites:


and some of my published book projects:


If you look behind us, you'll see my book project shelf:

Whoa! So that's how you keep it all straight!

In each cubbyhole, I keep all the sketches and notes for each book. After they've been published, I also keep any props I use for school presentations. 
Here's a closer look at my NAKED! cubbyhole: You can see my superhero cape on top, which was modeled after the top that the little boy in the story wore. Would you like it try it on?

Well, I wasn't going to ask, but now that you mention it. . . Yes. Yes, I would. (I can't resist a good accessory.)

Oh, Mr. Pig! You look wonderful. Would you be willing to pose for a picture?

Did somebody say POSE? Ta-da!!! (Sorry, I'm a bit of a ham.)

Oh dear, watch your step. I've had a tight deadline so didn't have a chance to properly tidy up. But let me continue the tour.


Here, let me give you a boost so you can take a look at what I keep on top of my project shelves:

The potato puppet you see is the same one that starred in the I'M BORED music video:


I'm Bored Music Video (inspired by the new picture book from Simon & Schuster BFYR) from Debs & Errol on Vimeo.

Behind all that is one of my two windows. As you can tell, I don't look outside that much, but the views of both windows are fairly covered up with bushes and a deck anyway. When I want to look outside, I go upstairs. My husband and I nicknamed my workspace my "Office Cave." I love it!

Everyone needs an office cave. And a reading cave. And a taking-a-nap-in-the-middle-of-the-day cave. 

Here's my Craft/Photography corner:


It's where I keep all my paints, brushes, rubber stamps and stickers. It's also where I do my found object photography, where I take photos like this one:


Although I experiment with real-life inks and paints, my book project illustration work is all done on my computer with my Wacom artpad. Here's a video showing how I draw:



That was great!

I have a giant corkboard where I pin up notes and pictures that make me happy:


One of my hobbies is writing and playing music. Here are just a few of my instruments, some of which I've used in children's concerts with my music group:


Wonderful! I play the kazoo from time to time, myself. Until the Cottagers ask me to stop. You know authors and their "quiet time."

I do. Let's see. . . what else can I show you? Oh! I have all kinds of interesting things hanging from my office ceiling:


Including sketches from one of my current book projects. Sorry I can't show the sketches to you right now, but they're for a book that hasn't yet come out! Behind the sketches, you can see a decal I put up in my office because I love this Rose Tremain quote so much.


But speaking of book projects, I'd better get back to work now.

Understood. Don't let me keep you. Thanks so much for the tour! And the tea! And the cape! I can't remember when I've had so much fun. Can I give you a hug, Debbie?

Of course, Mr. Pig. Thank you so much for visiting! Please do come back anytime.

*************************************
Debbie Ridpath Ohi writes and illustrates books for young people in Toronto, Canada. Recent illustration projects include NAKED! by Michael Ian Black and Judy Blume classics reissued in chapter book and middle grade format by Atheneum Books For Young Readers/Simon & Schuster. Her illustrations also appear in NY Times Notable Children's Book, I'M BORED (author: Michael Ian Black, Simon & Schuster BFYR). Launching 2015: WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? (her debut as author AND illustrator) and SEA MONKEY AND BOB (author: Aaron Reynolds, Simon & Schuster BFYR).  For Debbie's other current and upcoming book projects with Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and Random House: Debbieohi.com/books. Her blog for writers/illustrators: Inkygirl.com. Twitter: @inkyelbows.

The New York Times on NAKED!
“A pint-size streaker emerges from his bath and frolics in the altogether, reveling in his natural state as he runs through the house. 'Sliding down the stairs naked! Eating a cookie totally and completely naked!' Pants? Thanks anyway. But capes! Capes are a game changer. Black, a comedian as well as a writer, brings great comic timing to this riff. Ohi, who worked with Black on I’m Bored, makes sure readers get the joke.”

Publishers Weekly  (starred review) on NAKED!:
-"“Naked!” It’s fun to say and fun to be, as the team behind 2012’s I’m Bored proves with this tribute to the (temporarily) clothes-free life." ... "Ohi, working in more fully (ahem) fleshed out scenes than in I’m Bored, is an inventive, irreverent portraitist of domestic life—readers won’t be able to anticipate where her comic sense of composition will take them next (spoiler: one perspective is a bird’s-eye view of a naked Hokey Pokey, complete with dance steps diagram). Certain to inspire gleeful mimicry—not that some kids need much of an excuse to ditch their duds."

* New York Times Notable Children's Book *
* Junior Library Guild Selection *

Praise for I'M BORED
-"Sometimes a picture book gets it just right...Inspiring and stimulating, it's a must-see picture book, particularly if you're a teacher or librarian looking for good story-time reads." - Julie Danielson, Kirkus Reviews blog.
-
"Black (A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea) keeps this simple concept funny all the way through its final, LOL zinger. Debut illustrator Ohi’s minimalist, scraggly digital drawings are anything but boring, and speak volumes about irritation, desperation, and disdain." - Publishers Weekly(starred review)
-
"...Beautifully written by Michael Ian Black and gorgeously illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi...It has the courage to go unfashionably old-school and suggest that our imagination, not our gadgets, is the only cure [for boredom]"...Both the writing and the illustrations are fearless." - The Globe & Mail

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Gaston
by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by Christian Robinson

This week's pick is by Cottager: Anika Denise

What it's all about . . .
Gaston, a large pup among three poodle sisters, tries hard to be a proper pooch with perfect manners, but it's difficult, given he's much bigger and noisier than his dainty, tea-cup sized siblings. One day, Gaston switches places with Antoinette, a wee dog in a similar "odd-pup-out" situation, among a family of boisterous bulldog ruffians. While it becomes clear that each pooch has found its way back to its rightful family, neither feels all that comfortable there, and in the morning they are both relieved to trade back.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
It's a great read aloud, and Robinson's elegant, painterly illustrations further elevate DiPucchio's delightful text.

Our favorite lines . . .
The puppies were also taught how to look pretty in pink, nibble their kibble, and ride in style.

Our favorite illustration . . .

Illustration (c) 2014 Christian Robinson
Why kids will love it . . .
The art is great, and the puppies' names—Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La and Gaston—are fun to say. 
 
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
It's a funny, stylish picture book with endearing messages of family, belonging, and nature vs. nurture.

A Book Birthday for Enzo Races in the Rain . . . with a Giveaway!

Yes, good dog, Enzo! Come here, boy. . . that's a good puppy. . .  do you wuv your Mr. Piggy-wiggy?

Oh. . . *cough*. . . I didn't realize you were here. Ahem, right then. This is Enzo! Isn't he cute? Say hi, Enzo!

<<Bark!>>

Good boy!

You're probably wondering why I'm wearing this birthday hat. We're throwing Enzo a party! A book birthday party! Enzo Races in The Rain , the all new picture book starring Enzo, the lovable pooch from Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in The Rain, is officially out in the world TODAY!


And . . .  as a special treat, we have co-creators Zoë B. Alley and R.W. Alley—who developed the book based on Garth's Stein's character and story—with us today! They've generously provided a signed copy of Enzo Races in The Rain for one lucky fan of The Little Crooked Cottage! There are several ways to enter the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment about a beloved pooch in the comments section below.
2. Comment on our Facebook page.
3. Tweet this post with #EnzoGiveaway on Twitter.

That's worth wagging your tail for, is it not?

<<Bark, bark!>>  Enzo thinks so.

MP: Welcome, Alleys! Congratulations and happy book birthday!

ZBA: Why, thank you, Mr. Pig. Thanks for hosting us.

MP: This is such a cool project — tell me a little bit about how it came to you.

RWA: Well, the publisher (HarperCollins) was searching for an illustrator for this new series, which is different from looking for an illustrator for a stand-alone book. Since Garth Stein and Zoë and I share the same literary agency, though not the same agent, I was asked by the editor to sketch my image of what Enzo and his world might look like. Luckily, my drawings clicked with both author and editor, and I signed on to do the pictures. However, at that point, the picture book manuscript was still in flux. Knowing that Zoë is an accomplished author for children (here, ZBA replies, "Awwwwww!!!" modestly), both editor and agent asked us if we could work on the words, too. 

ZBA: What he said! (here, RWA says, "wait, aren't you an author?!") Yup -- I'm an author! Words are important . . . ok, so I'll use more of them here! In addition to what my dear husband has just replied, I would add that reading the adult novel (The Art of Racing in the Rain) helped me to visualize Enzo's world textually, and helped me to know that we could both co-author a really nice manuscript for this project.


MP: In the novel, Enzo is an endearing and believable canine narrator, but he's written for an older audience than the picture book set. What was it like adapting his voice and story for younger readers?

ZBA: Well, for me, writing for this younger picture book audience is basically how I think! (Perhaps I am actually just 5 years old at heart...??!!). So, I didn't really have to do too much cognitive thought (ooh, deep phrase!) on how I wanted to represent Enzo. His voice and story felt the same to me in either version -- is that weird?! Maybe, but I guess that's how my writing comes out through my hand.

RWA: I found the theme of the novel as conveyed through Enzo's personality was basically ageless.  Our task seemed to be to pare away the adult oriented bits of story and characterization, and focus on Enzo's quest for "home," which is pretty universal, and certainly something to which kids can relate.  The story in this first picture book introduces the reader to Enzo. The remaining three picture books in the series (maybe more, who knows...?!), will focus on other events in Enzo's life, which may go beyond the novel's story.

MP: Wait. . . did you say three more picture books?! That's great news! Look how happy Enzo is!

<<Bark, bark!>>

I love how you captured Enzo's voice. It's as if you guys speak "dog" just the way Enzo wishes he could speak human. Are you dog owners?

<<<ZBA and RWA laugh loudly>> While the book is dedicated to our daughter and son-in-law's dog, Minni, we have never had a dog. Neither of us did as kids, either! Huh! (Again, is this weird?!)

MP: Not really. I have never in my life owned a pygmy marmoset, and yet they gravitate towards me like I'm the marmoset whisperer. Go figure. Anyhoo, this one's for RW . . .  Did you have a model pooch for the project? What was some of your inspiration for the art?

RWA: In picturing Enzo, I took my clues from Garth Stein's description in the novel. I did many sketches, and even made a clay model of the dog. (ZBA:  he's a great sculptor, too!) I took to observing keenly dogs passing on the street. The aforementioned Minni, was also a useful model for movement, not size (she's a chihuahua!). For drawing style, I have always loved Garth Williams' (another Garth!) renderings in pen-and-ink of animals of all sorts, but especially dogs.


MP: Fascinating! You've collaborated on two other children's books, but this is the first time you've co-written a book. Tell us a little bit about how the writing collaboration worked? 

ZBA: Yes, working together to write was new for us. To date, I have been the word person; he the picture guy. While sharing in the writing process was different for us, it felt not unfamiliar, strangely. We have been married for 33 wonderful years and, as such, have spent much of that time together, at home, working and sharing life things.  Including our two lovely, now young adult, children! (Not to mean that we don't venture out into the world. We do, actually!) So, basically, we felt right at home (haha!) sitting next to each other on our couch and, well, writing! We felt comfortable creating together, and really complemented each other's styles. 

RWA: What she said!  But also, Zoë is great at creating voice for her characters, and this really allows the work to flow easily. I think one of the things that I add, is the idea of pacing and knowing what can be said through pictures instead of text. This allows us to get to the 32-40 page format that most picture books require. 

MP: What's next for you two?

RWA: Well, tonite, we are going out to Chan's to hear a blues guitarist, because we DO go out! Oh, you meant bigger picture? (haha!) I am writing and illustrating four books in a series that will begin publication next fall. And, there's Paddington, which is always ongoing, especially with the movie coming out this Christmas.

ZBA: He's funny, right?! Well, there are the three contracted additional Enzo picture books, of course. And, I have some stories out being reviewed by editors at this very moment...aaarrrgggghh! So, we'll see what's next for me!

MP: How exciting! We can't wait to read them all! And. . . when all your new books come out, please come back and visit us in the Cottage. We'll throw another party—with party hats! And balloons! Right, Enzo?

<<Bark, bark!>>

Enzo Races in The Rain
by Garth Stein
with Zoë B. Alley and R.W. Alley
illustrated by R.W. Alley
HarperCollins Publishers, 2014
ISBN: 978-0062295330

Meet Enzo the puppy, one very special mutt. Enzo knows he's different from other dogs. He's sure of it. But people never understand him when he barks, and it drives him crazy!

Life on the farm is pretty quiet -- except when he races the cars that come down the barn road. Because Enzo is fast!

But when Enzo meets a little girl named Zoë and her father, Denny, everything changes. Enzo embarks on an action-packed adventure as he makes the long journey from the farm to the city, discovers just how big the world is, and finds the family that was truly meant to be his.

Zoë B. Alley and R.W. Alley are the husband and wife author-illustrator team behind Enzo Races in the Rain (HarperCollins, 2014) There's a Princess In The Palace (Roaring Brook, 2010) and There's A Wolf At The Door (Roaring Brook, 2008).

RW Alley has illustrated well over one hundred board books, picture books, early readers and chapter books, including the Paddington Bear books by Michael Bond (HarperCollins). In 2010, he received a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award for the illustrations for Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day by Kate McMullan (Dial).
-
For twenty-six years, Zoë and RW Alley have lived in Barrington, Rhode Island, where they raised their two, now young-adult, children.
 ************************************

Praise for: There's a Princess In The Palace: 

"Delightfully fractured even after reconstructive surgery, this run-on fairy tale would find itself on the shelf between War on Peas and One Hundred Years of Sillitude
a. if it would fit and
b. if it wasn't so much fun to read." —David Macauley

★“This will enter the rotation of bedtime favorites.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED

★“Marvelous for anyone with a wry sense of humor, There’s a Princess in the Palace deserves a place in every library.” —School Library Journal, STARRED

★ “Within a graphic-novel format, the tales of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, the Frog Prince and the Princess and the Pea develop familial and hilarious interconnections while retaining the stories’ traditional structures…Smartly hysterical.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED

 
SUSAN DOUPE PHOTOGRAPHYGarth Stein is the author of A Sudden Light , Raven Stole the Moon, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, and The Art of Racing in the Rain.  The Art of Racing in the Rain has sold more than 4 million copies in 35 languages, and spent more than three years on the New York Times bestseller list.  It has inspired a Young Reader edition as well as a children’s picture book adaptation (2014), a stage adaptation by Book-It Repertory Theatre in Seattle, and is currently in development with Universal Studios for a major motion picture.

After spending his childhood in Seattle and then living in New York City for 18 years, Garth returned to Seattle in 2001, and lives there currently with his wife, three sons, and their dog, Comet.



ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY OF  ENZO RACES IN THE RAIN
1. Leave a comment about a beloved pooch in the comments section below.2. Comment on our Facebook page. 3. Tweet this post with #EnzoGiveaway on Twitter.
* Winner will be announced next week! *

Mr. Pig LIVE with Leroy Ninker!

 
Kate DiCamillo is the author of many books for young readers. Her books have been awarded the Newbery Medal (Flora and Ulysses, 2014; The Tale of Despereaux, 2004); the Newbery Honor (Because of Winn-Dixie, 2001), the Boston Globe Horn Book Award (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, 2006), and the Theodor Geisel Medal and honor (Bink and Gollie, co-author Alison McGhee, 2011; Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, 2007). She is the current National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, appointed by the Library of Congress.

A native of Florida, Kate now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.


Leroy Ninker Saddles Upby Kate DiCamillo; illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Candlewick Press, August 2014
Early chapter book, ISBN 978-0763663391

Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books.

★"DiCamillo effortlessly slips back into the comfortable rhythms of Mercy’s world, infusing every chapter with subdued wit, warmth, and heart. Van Dusen matches the text stride-for-stride, delivering caricatured spot art and full-page scenes of the Pinocchioesque Leroy and the four-toothed, spaghetti-loving Maybelline, who Leroy comes to consider 'the most splendiferous horse in all of creation.'"—Publishers Weekly

"DiCamillo’s quirky, eccentric characters speak in flowery sentiments and employ charming wordplay. Along with Van Dusen’s well-matched illustrations, there’s a sweet, retro innocence reminiscent of McCloskey’s classic "Homer Price." Despite the old-fashioned accent, the absurdities will easily appeal to a modern audience. Filled with love and kindness and glorious sweet-talk: 'Yippee-i-oh.'" —Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of Mercy Watson will delight in meeting Maybelline, a horse who loves to hear the melody of pretty words, likes the company of others, and enjoys spaghetti noodles. ... Van Dusen’s black-and-white cartoon pictures provide a lighthearted humor that makes the book a good choice for transitioning readers. Character driven, this fast-paced story is sure to please. A fun new edition to the cast and crew of "Mercy Watson." —School Library Journal

"DiCamillo’s use of inventive and colorful language and Van Dusen’s stylized gouache illustrations make this story click; give this to graduates of the earlier series looking for a bit more of a challenge."—Booklist

Literary Lunch . . . Leroy Ninker

Meet Leroy, the dreamer who wants to be a cowboy, from LEROY NINKER SADDLES UP, written by two-time Newbery medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen.



Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love packed a lunch perfect for rescuing the horse of your dreams:carrots for Maybelline, the horsepopcorn from the Bijou Drive-in Theatre concession stand, where Leroy work and a Leroy Ninker Salami Sandwich

Quote of the Week

 "I had a very wise mother. She always kept books that were my grade level in our house."
-- Beverly Cleary