With two boys at a toy chest, one clutching a shark and the other a train, thus begins the most unlikeliest of competitions. Who will win-shark or train? Well, it does depend on the situation. If underwater, the shark will surely triumph. But at roasting marshmallows? The train beats the shark's soggy mess every time. From one wacky circumstance to the next, from bowling to hot-air ballooning, there is always a clear winner. Until, suddenly, there is not. Both the shark and the train are not very good at playing hide and seek. They also stink at video games ("Sure would help if we had thumbs"). Just when the competitors can't bear it any longer, it's time for lunch. The boys toss them carelessly aside-until next time, that is. Lichtenheld's snarling shark and grimacing train are definitely ready for a fight, and his scenarios gleefully play up the absurdity. The combatants' expressions are priceless when they lose. A glum train in smoky dejection, or a bewildered, crestfallen shark? It's hard to choose; both are winners. (Picture book. 3-6)
Given the choice between trains, planes, and automobiles, I will always take the rails. There’s something so romantic and inspiring about a cross-country train trip (and perhaps that’s why Amtrak has started offering writer’s residencies!) My love of trains can definitely be traced back to being a kid. Whether it was the electric train set […]
If you’ve been desperately seeking A/C—and a way to keep your sweaty kids still for a few moments of no-SPF-required relaxation—I’m guessing that you’ve found your way to a book store, library, or movie theatre at least a few times in the past two months. If you enjoy the latter, you’re already well aware that […]
In a genre in which the characters can be human, animal, food-based, or some other completely crazy thing, still it can be hard to stand out from the picture book crowd. Personally, I am already 65% done creating my own illustrated, extremely condensed version of A Tale of Two Cities, told from the perspective of a […]