February Roundup: Snow + Love + Faith + Squirrels

Look at this little girl. Isn't she sweet. Jessie Wilcox Smith is, of course, a master, but this is my very favorite of her illustrations. Also, I want that duvet. (I have a thing for pink sheets.) Well, anyway, she is going to become my mascot for my monthly round-ups.

It's time for my February Roundup. I've got to tell you: this feels SOOOOOO GOOD. I don't know why, but February is the most brutal month out East. I didn't even go to work for 11 whole days smack dab in the middle (because of the Snowpocalypse), and yet, it felt like it dragged on and on and on. I still don't quite believe that March is only three days away.

Have I rambled enough for you this morning? Here are the books I reviewed in February:

+ Toon Tellengen's The Squirrel's Birthday, and Other Parties is just too marvelous for words. (Note to readers: BUY IT! BUY IT! Note to Publishers: Translate more of these to English!!!)

+ During the snowpocalypse I shared with you two of my favorite snow books: Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Mary Azarian and Snow by Uri Schulevitz.

+ I introduced you to Jack Kent and his brilliant King Aroo (my copy is in the mail as we speak, so you'll be hearing more anon).

+ We learned all about trolls in The Troll with no Heart in His Body and other Tales by Lise Lunge-Larson and Betsy Bowen

+ I shared with you my favorite Valentine Books and Kids Cookbooks.

+ And gave you my thoughts on Tim Burton's adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.

+ Toys really do become real, you know. Here's a big roundup of The Velveteen Rabbit to help you learn how.

+ Two books about busyness and imagination and getting nowhere fast in a good way: Let's Do Nothing and The Busiest Street in Town

+ Plus, I kicked off my Lenten Religious Books series with Tomie De Paola's Mary the Mother of Jesus and a look at Brian Wildsmith.

+ Finally, I announced a new series of Bookshop Reviews (Be sure to send in your submissions!)

Jessie Wilcox Smith's The Bedtime Book

Coming Soon on LLB: Bookshop Reviews

The Shop Around the Corner from You've Got Mail is basically perfect

Friends and Readers: as I was making a huge order on Amazon I realized that I have been failing in one major category here on the blog: I have failed to promote my favorite institutions in the world--independent bookstores.

You see, I am a big believer in independent bookstores. Even the smallest bookstores have a better selection than most Barnes&Nobles--because the books are collected based on a person's taste and knowledge. I've never walked into a independent bookstore without finding something extra-ordinary. Plus, with their knowledge and personal service, they are happy to make recommendations and order books for you.

Plus...it is my dearest dream to own a true brick-and-mortar children's bookshop. In the Kindle age, it looks like I will have to roll up this dream and stick it in a drawer, to take out and look at every now and then, but only cherish because its there not because its possible. (Name THAT reference, kiddos.)

In the meantime, I shall do what I can to promote the brick-and-mortar Mom-and-Pop bookshops. To that end, I am going to begin reviewing independent children's bookshops, and bookshop's children's sections on a fairly regular basis. I hope to do one every two weeks, at least.

I'll also be including links to books via IndieBound--so you can buy your favorite titles through your favorite independent bookstore rather than Amazon, should you so desire. And, finally, on the left, I have added a section of links to in dependant bookstores. (They are sorted by state.)

I want most of all to hear recommendations from you. I've been to a lot of bookstores around the US, but I am sure you all have your favorites--and there are plenty that I don't know about. I'd love to hear from you! Be sure to include:

+ Where they are
+ What they specialize in
+ How big their selection is
+ Why you love them
+ What your favorite purchase from them has been

All independent and used bookshops qualify. Please send entries to: littlelambbooks [at] gmail.com

Biblical Books by Brian Wildsmith

And Jesus said to the wind and rain, "Be still" and it was calm. (From Jesus by Brian Wildsmith)

TITLE: Exodus
AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Wildsmith
PUBLISHED BY: Eerdmans, 1998
ISBN: 978-0802851758

TITLE: Joseph
AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Wildsmith
PUBLISHED BY: Oxford University Press, 1998
ISBN: 978-0192723659

TITLE: Jesus
AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Wildsmith
PUBLISHED BY: Eerdmans, 2000
ISBN: 978-0802852120

TITLE: The Easter Story
AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Wildsmith
PUBLISHED BY: Eerdmans, 2000
ISBN: 978-0802851895

The blurb on the inside flap of all of all of Brian Wildsmith's books says: "He believes that picture books are vitally important in developing a child's appreciation of beauty." This statement struck me in its profound simplicity. It's absolutely true, and obviously the guiding principle of Wildsmith's life and work. But it is also so simple that we often forget it.

Wildsmith was an art teacher and illustrator before he turned full time to creating picture books. His energetic detailed style was popular in the 70s and 80s (especially the wordless and wondrous Circus). In the 90s, he turned his attention to Biblical and religious subjects, including a life of St. Francis, and the four biblical books listed here (as well as a Christmas Story which I'll review later this year).

If all his books "develop a child's appreciation of beauty" (and they do!) then these books do even more. They make manifest for a child's imagination the greatest and most beautiful story of all, the story of God's providential plan for all of us. It's pretty exciting stuff. Wildsmith makes these stories immediate and accessible--even using some childish drawing techniques to allow the images to enter more fully into the child's mind. (The fish in the parting of the red sea, for example, are drawn the way a five year old would draw them: with little detail and flat, without dimension--in all sorts of fantastic shapes and colors.)

His Old Testament subject matter, Exodus and Joseph, was probably picked as an excuse to draw lots of Egyptian palaces and monuments. Indeed, the iconographic ornamentation of Ancient Egypt is perfectly suited to his pen, ink, and paint, for he loves lots of little detail, color, and geometry. His New Testament books do not shy away from the hard moments of the Gospel: Christ throwing out the money-changers in the temple, being tempted in the desert or dying on the Cross.

My only complaint with these books, and it is a very minor one, is that they don't use actually biblical texts. However, his adaptations of these stories are very good and there are only a few minor quibbles I have with the text, not even worth mentioning.

Joseph is currently out of stock, and Exodus is out of print--but they are not terribly difficult to find at used book stores or online. Should Eerdman's republish these, be assured, I'll let you know! Needless to say, you can purchase them all at the Little Lamb Bookshop.


They all had enough to drink. (From Exodus by Brian Wildsmith)

I have seen you face and know that you are still alive. (From Joseph by Brian Wildsmith)

The Busiest Street in Town by Mara Rockliff and Sara McMenemy

TITLE: The Busiest Street in Town
AUTHOR: Mara Rockliff
ILLUSTRATOR: Sara McMenemy
PUBLISHED BY: Knopf, 2009
ISBN: 978-0375840203

Agatha and Eulalie are best friends, and have been for a long time. They live across the street from each other. But Rushmore Street has become a major thoroughfare, filled with traffic, honking cars, lumbering trucks.

One day, when Agatha is tired of all the noise and rush, she boldly carries a bright yellow chair into the middle of the traffic, and sits there. As the cars and trucks rush by, she offers everyone a gingersnap. Soon Eulalie is out there too, with a stool and a Parcheesi set.

As these women take matters into their own hands, the neighborhood follows their lead--kids start playing on the sidewalk and they even get a troupe of street performers. Soon Rushmore Street (renamed Walker Road) becomes the busiest street in town in a very different way--busy with life and song and laughter.

This charming book manages to toe that fine line between having a point and being preachy. Agatha and Eulalie are full of spunk (one of my favorite traits in a woman, and something girls would do well to learn early on). And, unlike some other books that discuss the busyness of city life, this book cherishes the vivacity of the city--and channels that vivacity into more humane pursuits.

Perhaps all that sounds too lofty for a picture book. It's not: this book is ultimately a fun story about two friends who boldly do something that makes their lives better. With bright cheerful illustrations and quickly paced writing, many children will love the story. You can leave the philosophizing to the parents.


Can I play too?


Gingersnap?

Caldecott Exhibit at the Brandywine River Museum

N.C. Wyeth's illustration for the Anthology of Children's Literature
Starting in March at the Brandywine River Museum is a special exhibit on Caldecott Medal Winners. Not only should you go because those illustrations are some of the best of the world. But also because the Brandywine Museum has a long tradition of supporting children's illustration, as it was started to feature the works of N.C. Wyeth and other American illustrators. Plus it has just about the best sounding and most romantic name of any museum in the country. So, if you're withing driving range of this excellent museum, I highly recommend a stop:

Drawing from a Story: Illustrations by Selected Caldecott Medal Winners
March 20 through May 23
Brandywine River Museum

Myths, fables, fairy tales, and folk tales are usually a child's first steps into the world of literature, and the illustrations often accompany the text when such stories are published for children stir the imagination and provide entrée to magical worlds. First awarded in 1938, the Caldecott Medal is considered the most prestigious award for children's illustration. This exhibition will feature the works of selected Caldecott winners from seven decades, including Dorothy Lathrop, David Wiesner, Paul O. Zelinsky, Leo and Diane Dillon, Robert McCloskey, and Maurice Sendak, among many others.


Other special events held in conjunction with this exhibit are:

Art of Illustration Lecture Series: "Selected Caldecott Medal Winners"
March 24, 11 a.m.

This lecture focuses on winners of this medal for excellence in children's book illustration, including David Wiesner (Flotsam), Ezra Jack Keats (The Snowy Day) and Robert McCloskey (Make Way for Ducklings). Special exhibition is on view from March 20 through May 23, 2010. The program is free with museum admission.

"Celebrating Caldecott" Children's Day
April 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Families are invited to a day of art and reading adventures. Activities include guided tours of the exhibition Drawing from a Story: Illustrations by Selected Caldecott Winners, Read-Aloud stories, animated versions of Maurice Sendak’s books (Into the Night Kitchen, Where the Wild Things Are, and Chicken Soup with Rice) and hands-on art projects. No pre-registration is required. The program is free with regular museum admission; free for members and children under 6.


David Wiesner Booksigning
April 11, 1 - 3 p.m.

David Wiesner, who has received the Caldecott Medal three times, will sign copies of his books, including Flotsam, The Three Pigs, and Tuesday. Books will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop. Free for members and included with museum admission.


The Brandywine River Museum is on US Rt. 1 in southeastern Pennsylvania, close to the Delaware border. For directions, hours, and admission information, click here.

(HT: Lindsay)

Let's Do Nothing by Tony Fucile

TITLE: Let's Do Nothing!
AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR: Tony Fucile
PUBLISHED BY: Candlewick, 2009
ISBN: 978-0763634407

I recently saw a commercial encouraging children to play. It was a government sponsored ad, with professional basketball players as guests, encouraging children to play for at least one hour every day. They even suggested finding games on their website. Is the imagination so dead that children have to look online for suggestion for how to play? Do parents need to be reminded that it is "healthy" for their children to play (for at least one hour a day)? Have we forgotten how to play?

If the imagination is indeed dead, then Tony Fucile's Let's Do Nothing has come at the right moment. In it two boys are trying to figure out what to do with their time--because they've already don everything: painting "more pictures in a day than Van Gogh did in a lifetime" and baking "enough cookies to feed a small country." So, they decide to do nothing. For ten whole seconds.

But even while doing nothing their imaginations creep up and interfere. As they do nothing by pretending to be statues in a park, sitting perfectly still, Frankie begins to imagine that pigeons are landing on him. As more and more come, he gets more and more nervous till finally he breaks his pose and shoos the imaginary birds away.

If the illustrations strike you as charmingly retro-cartoony, you're right on target. Tony Fucile is an animator for Disney/Pixar, and worked on The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. His drawings are charming and funny, filled with movement and vitality.

This book is bound to be loved by boys and girls alike. It is fantastic.


Beware of King Kong!

Mary the Mother of Jesus, by Tomie De Paola

Sorrow has oppressed me, and my face has swelled with weeping, and my eyelashes have become darkly misted. --Antiphon from the feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

TITLE: Mary: The Mother of Jesus
AUTHOR + ILLUSTRATOR: Tomie De Paola
PUBLISHED BY: Holiday House, 1995
ISBN: 9780823410187

For Lent, every Wednesday, I will be posting a review of a religious book. I'll probably focus on Biblical themed books, but I'll throw in a saint book here and there. I thought I'd start with the very best: Tomie de Paola's Mary: The Mother of Jesus.

You all know how I love de Paola, and indeed, I would be hard pressed to pick a true favorite of his books. But this beautiful book is high on my list of favorites, not only of his work but of all children's books. As usual, de Paola manages to blend the story of our Faith with true artistic merit, all the while making these stories accessible to children. It is as much a prayerful meditation as it is a story book.

Incorporating scripture and tradition, along with meditations from the antiphons of different Marian feast days, de Paola presents various important scenes from Mary's life. The text alone is well written and engaging--a lovely adaptation of the words of the Gospel. Facing each page of text is a corresponding icon of Mary--showing her first as a young girl, then a bride, then the wondrous girl receiving the message of an angel, on through the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and her Assumption into Heaven.

In his introductory note, he says: "When I was an art student in 1956, I saw the Giotto frescoes of the life of Mary in the Arena Chapel in Padua, Italy. I knew that some day I would attempt my own visual version of Mary's life. I have drawn on scripture, legend, and tradition for this praise of Mary the mother of Jesus." These drawings are done in de Paola's simple, clear, earthy style, so well adapted to religious elements. (I especially love his St. Joseph--solid yes gentle.) Above we see Mary comforted by St. John at the foot of the cross. It is not Caravaggio, but does not fail to move our hearts, evoking the pain and sorrow of that day.

My favorite illustration is of her betrothal to St. Joseph (below). He directly evokes Giotto's fresco of the same image with the arch and buildings in the background, and the lily-staff in St. Joseph's hand. They sky is that same deep azure and his use of perspective is similar. This image sums up what I love about de Paola: he knows all the classical motifs, techniques, and vocabulary, and he incorporates them into his work with his own style and voice.

The final image I'll share with you (below) is his illustration of the death of the Holy Innocents. Above this is the antiphon: "A voice was heard in Rama, moaning and wailing, Rachel weeping for her children." On the facing page is a beautiful image of Mary and the Christ Child, playing with a dove. From a young and impressionable age, I remember latching on to this heartbreaking story. It was presented to me well by my parents, and I have come to love the Holy Innocents more than almost any other Martyrs. Some parents may shy away from sharing this story, but I encourage you not to do so. De Paola presents it in the proper way: showing the sorrow and pain--evoking great pathos--and yet focusing on the beauty, joy and glory of their sacrifice. It is truly remarkable. This book is indeed a work of praise, and I encourage you all to track it down.

A note about finding this book: It was published by Holiday House and is sadly out of print. You can purchase it on Amazonor Albris. I found my copy--in perfect condition--at a used book store, and encourage you to scour the shelves for it. Or contact Holiday House and ask them to republish it!
For all my favorite Tomie De Paola books click here. For Tomie's blog click here.



The next morning, his staff had blossomed forth into leavers and flowers.



Now, Herod...feel into a rage and ordered that all children up to two years old be slaughtered in Bethlehem and its neighborhood.

Cookbooks for Kids

The lovliest of Children's cookbooks, featuring fresh simple recipes from Alice Waters

I've wanted to post about children's cookbooks for a while. Then last month Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, editor of the Apartment Therapy "Kitchn" site, posted about the joys of cooking with children--and had some really great cookbook recommendations to boot.

The loveliest children's cookbook is Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child's Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipesby Alice Waters. Part story-book, part recipes, this book is told from the perspective of Alice Water's daughter, Fanny. Full of charming insights (she even makes composting sounds fun), and delicious, seasonal recipes. This is a book to treasure and devour (if you can do that to the same book...)

Another foodie guru, Mollie Katzen of the vegetarian Moosewood Resturant, has created a slew of kids cookbooks, including Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Upand Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up. Like all her recipes, these are simple, fun, and vibrant.

A friend recently recommended the Look and Cook: A Cookbook for Childrenand I just love it. With retro (20's & 30's) illustrations, and easy instructions, this is a wonderful beginers cookbook.

Saving the best...or cheesiest...for last, allow me to recommend Kids Cooking: A Very Slightly Messy Manualfrom Klutz. We devoured this book when we were little. Many a rainy afternoon was spent making the chocolate chip cookies, or the individual pizzas (pictured below). I read it cover to cover almost weekly. Its silly and playful. Since it is spiral bound, it withstands the wear and tear of kids in the kitchen. It also comes with a set of measuring spoons which my parents still use!




Cheesy illustrations in the Klutz Cookbook

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

The Original Velveteen Rabbit
TITLE: The Velveteen Rabbit: Or, How Toys Become Real
AUTHOR: Margery Williams

Memory has a funny way of creeping up on you. Don't worry. I'm not about to get all Proustian on you, my dear readers. But, when reviewing children's books memory is important: every new book I read I compare with all my old favorites and every classic is treasured because of my own experience with it.

But my own memories are incomplete. For example: four years ago my sister bought me a CD of Meryl Streep reading The Veleveteen Rabbit. The inscription said that she remembered this book because it was so loved by me--and that she loves it by association. Two yars later my brother gave me a new edition (with illustrations by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson) saying basically the same thing: that I loved this book so much that my younger brother and sister thought of it as mine, and loved it too, because it was mine.

Memory had failed me though, because, until that time I had forgotten all about my love of this book. If I saw it in the bookstore, I'd think to myself, "that is a great book. I'll buy it for (name of friend's newborn) when they are older." But I never thought: "I realy really really love this book."

I'm glad my brother and sister thought that for me. Because I do really really really love this book. As I look over my favorite edition (the one with illustrations by David Jorgensen--and, as it happens, the audio recording by Meryl Streep), I remember so many hours spent looking at this book, treasuring the little rabbit, and the words of the old wise horse. I wept for the rabbit when he was teased about his hind legs, and laughed when he finds he is real. And, perhaps most importantly, those characters became real in my own play. I had a little leather horse made by my dad's cousin, who was as wise and as dear as the Margery William's "skin horse."

On this day after Valentine's day, I want to declare (rather boldly, I'll admit) that this is one of the very best children's story about love. I didn't always remember it--but its lilting words and gentle lessons were ingrained on my heart.


My favorite version has illustrations by David Jorgensen

Here are some of the current editions. It has been reimagined many times, but the original version, and the version by David Jorgensen are by far the best. I'd recommend seeing the newer versions before pruchasing--some, especially the board books, are garish, and others are simply adaptations and don't have the original text. The first three are my favorites:

+ In print since 1958, you can still get the original edition of The Velveteen Rabbitwith illustrations by William Nicholson.

+ David Jorgensen illustrates and Meryl Streep narrates thisThe Velveteen Rabbit Book and CD

+ Lou Francher and Steve Johnson team up on this excellent adaptation for toddlers

+ Don Daily illustrates this Christmas Edition

+ Michael Green's illustrated editionreads more like a chapter book.

+ Also lovely are illustrated editions by Michael Hagueand Monique Felix

+ In paperback, check out versions by Florence Graham (for Reading Rainbow)and Elizabeth Miles(Jorgensen'sis also available in paperback without the audio CD.)

+ Finally, Patricia Pingry and Katherine Wilson have adapted the story into a board book


Steven Johnson and Lou Fracher have created this adaptation for younger children

Love Books Roundup

Today, in honor of Valentine's Day, I am going to share with you a quick little list of some of my favorite "love" children's books. It is, I will admit, a kind of silly category, considering that much of Valnetine's Day is nonsense. But these books charmingly illustrate proper and happy aspects of love, and therefore, are winners.


These three titles are perhaps my favorites. You all know, DePaola can do no wrong. He manages to be charming and heart warming without being sappy or corny. I Like You by Sandol Stoddard and Jacqueline Chwast spells out with understated wit the reasons why "I like you" with jazzy illustrations to boot. Love is a Special Way of Feeling by Joan Anglund is a classic. And, while it is rather sappy, it is also terribly endearing. (Note: it is available at many big chain bookstores, reprinted in paperback. It is a collectors item, so if you have a copy treasure it, and if you see it at a yard sale of library sale, grab it!) I'll Be You and You Be Me is another brilliant book by Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak, and perhaps not strictly speaking a love story. But I love it. And that counts.



These are more specifically valentine themed. Between Charlie Brown (a Valentine classic), and Kevin Henke's adorable little Lilly, plus stories by Cynthia Rylant and Jan Brett, you can't go wrong with these books.


Here are some of the best series books concerning Valentine's Day. I do love Max and Ruby and Clifford...


Then there are the books, like Guess How Much I Love You and The Runnaway Bunny which are about a parent's love for their child. And for good measure, let's not forget what the day is really about, with Robert Samuda's Saint Valentine:

Alice in Wonderland

When I heard that Tim Burton--the man with the most compelling yet strange imagination--was going to make a live-action adaptation of my second favorite book from the "golden age of children's literature": Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

Well, if you watched the Superbowl, you saw the preview. And I can tell you now that I am not looking forward to it. I guess I should not be surprised that it looks dark and macabre; it is Tim Burton after all. But it seems just so incredibly grotesque. I don't actually have a problem with the grotesque and macabre in children's literature--I do read Grimm, you know.

Alice in Wonderland is not grotesque. It is very strange, certainly. It is the weird world of our dreams, where connections are lost and thinks that ought to make sense don't, and vice versa. Lewis Carroll provides a delicate balance between the strangeness of perception and the normality of life. Alice is often perplexed but rarely terrified. Wonderland's inhabitants are strange enough--the atmosphere and landscape don't need to be terrifying too.

That being said, I withhold judgement till I actually see the film. Books like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan have become such a huge part of the cultural imagination that I applaud any attempt to bring forth an individual interpretation.

The Troll with No Heart in His Body

TITLE: The Troll With No Heart in His Body
AUTHOR: Lise Lunge-Larsen
ILLUSTRATOR: Betsy Bowen
PUBLISHED BY: Sandpiper, 1999 (reprint 2003)
ISBN: 978-0618354030

It is day six of the great snowpocalypse here in Washington, so it seems only natural that I review a book full of Norwegian folk tales. Perhaps I shall gleam from them wisdom to help me deal with all this snow.

Lise Lunge-Larsen was born and raised in Norway, and then moved to Minnesota. Growing up in Norway, trolls were everywhere. Besides being in the mountains and hills and forests, they were in the language (when she was bad she was called a en troullunge, "troll child"), and most of all in the stories.

Lunge-Larsen discovers that American children as as hungry for these stories as she was, and so she has compiled stories familiar ("Three Billy Goats Gruff") and strange ("The Boy Who Became a Lion, a Falcon and an Ant") in this wonderful collection. They are magical and terrifying, and just--perfect for reading aloud. Best of all, she presents them like a parent would, with short introductions in her own voice that reminds us of what we've learned about trolls, and add to the legend and lore:

Next time you're out for a walk in the woods, look for dead trees, especially overturned tree roots. They might well be trolls that died of old age instead of bursting and becoming stone. Study them carefully and you might spot eye sockets, arms, and a nose (it'll be long). They might look like the troll in this story [The Handshake].

Betsey Bowen, a fellow Norwegian, has created remarkable woodcuts for this collection of stories. She brings to life the mystery and wonder of the Norwegian landscape, as well as the terror of those evil trolls who "return and shape the landscape around them when they die."

In the book's introduction, Lunge-Larsen explains why she has compiled these troll stories, which both terrify and excite:

But perhaps the greatest reason children love troll stories is because children need stories like them. Nothing can truly show children, even adults, more about how to live, about who they are, and about their place in the world, and the struggles of life than a good folktale, and these troll stories I count among the best. Yet today many children have never heard any of the great folktales, including troll stories.

Ok, so perhaps I won't discover secrets to managing epic snow-fall. I think I'll learn something much more enduring and valuable instead.

NB: The publisher recommends this book for ages 9-12. I'd recommend reading them on your own, and seeing if you can read them to your younger children. This book was also an ALA notable book in 1999.



The Boy and the North Wind


Far Far Away

Jack Kent's King Aroo

My dad's favorite comic strip growing up was King Aroo by Jack Kent. Though it was never hugely popular, it ran from 1950 to 1965 and was saved largely to Kent's contract with the San Francisco Chronicle. The Smithsonian described it as:

King Aroo is one of the most celebrated strips of the recent past in the comics, but celebrated largely among devotees of comics, and appealing largely to the members of the readership that loved Krazy Kat, Barnaby, Pogo and Little Nemo. The King was the creation of Jack Kent, born in Burlington, Iowa, in 1920. It was probably Kent's lack of formal art training that led to a loose-lined art style, with panels full of characters and activity. It was surely his innate artistic ability that kept those panels from looking cluttered.

Only one book featuring the strip has been published, in 1962, and is now a greatly desired collectors item.

But all those Jack Kent fans are in luck because, this week IDW Publishing is releasing the first volume of all of Jack Kent's syndicated King Aroo comics. (King Aroo (Volume 1)is available for pre-order on Amazon now.) I cannot even begin to describe to you how excited I am about this. I am thrilled!!!

Jack Kent was also a writer of children's books--wonderful imaginative happy children's books. In honor of this happy occasion Vintage Kids Books My Kid Loves is reviewing all her favorite Jack Kent books. (If you were wondering, There's No Such Thing as a Dragonis my favorite.)

I have lots more to share with you about Kent, but I'll save it for another day. But do check out his books at your local library!

UPDATE: Check out this wonderful article about Jack Kent and his life.

A full King Aroo strip: click for larger picture
(HT: Vintage Kids Books My Kid Loves)