Two Times The Glee

Laughter is a gift.  Life gives it to us in the form of unexpected incidents or antics, spoken and written words, facial expressions or visual representations.  We connect to these incidents, antics, words, expressions and representations because we have been in similar positions or because they are the exact opposite of what we anticipate.  Our sense of humor is enlarged. Our memories have an additional laughter factor to enhance our levels of happiness. Our view of the world is altered in the best possible manner.

There is no denying the place our stuffed animal toys have as companions in our lives, providing us with comfort and the most loyal of confidants.  Louis (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October 6, 2020) written by Tom Lichtenheld with illustrations by Julie Rowan-Zoch takes us into the inner sanctum of teddy bear musings. Louis is ready for change.

From day one . . .

things have gone downhill. 

Louis is a cushion for his boy's head.  When the child's nose needs wiping, Louis's arm is downright handy.  The teddy bear is used as an entree in prehistoric feasts.  Louis is perturbed.

Louis finds himself deep in sand, swirling in water, as the house canine's bed, and the victim of a needle and thread.  Wherever the boy goes, so does Louis.  He is forgotten on public transportation.  How is this possible?  Louis is ready for drastic action.

He has plans to leave.  At first the rain foils his efforts.  Then the younger sibling needs him for her tea party.  There is also the visit to school which is unavoidable.  Louis can hardly wait until that is over, so he is closer to bolting.

Finally, this longest of all days is nearing an end.  As soon as the boy is in bed, with the lights off, Louis is making his getaway.  Or is he?

It's not often we are inside the mind of a cherished teddy bear.  This much loved but also sometimes neglected, at least in the mind of the bear, toy gives voice to its frustrations through the words of Tom Lichtenheld.  Sentence by sentence this bear lists its grievances, building toward its plan (much like a disgruntled child) for an escape.  Then, with the gift of a skilled storyteller, Tom Lichtenheld shifts the narrative just enough to have readers wondering if the bear is as dissatisfied as it says.  It is here the humor heightens.  Here are two sentences, one following the other.

I can bear it no longer.

The next time this kid

squeezes me, I'm outta here.

In her debut as an illustrator, Julie Rowan-Zoch demonstrates her ability to enhance the words of a narrative through her playful, comic images.  On the white canvas of the open dust jacket her full-color illustrations engage our attention immediately.  Louis with his textured fur, peeking from the gift box with a wink and a smile, looks adorable.  The title text and the wrapped package are varnished.  To the left, on the back, after a bit of time with his boy, his expression has changed.  He is downright grumpy as the boy, oblivious to his disdain, gives him a hug.  The words here read:

A boy and his bear . . .

a love story? 

The book case is designed as the wrapped package.  The background is blue tied in a large red bow on the front.  The red ribbon crosses the spine perfectly, extending to the left as the crossed ribbon on the underside of the box.  

The opening and closing endpapers have a charcoal canvas.  In white is a pattern of the boy's toys, the household canine, and other items you see in the story such as the toy dinosaur, a pin cushion with pins, an umbrella, and a bowl of cereal.  On the title page, between the text is the wrapped gift box, unopened.

These illustrations rendered

in Procreate on an iPad.

(It is interesting to note

the text type was set in a font based on Julie Rowan-Zoch's handwriting.)

The sizes of the pictures vary from double-page pictures, some showing two different incidents in one image, to single-page pictures or to several smaller visuals on a single page.  The perspective changes for dramatic effect and increased humor.  The expressions on Louis's face and the boy's face convey a range of emotions.  Careful readers will notice the extra special details Julie Rowan-Zoch includes such as the toy pig being packed in a bindle by Louis when he is ready to run away.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a two-page illustration.  Streaks of blue hues on the background indicate a rainy day.  To the left of the gutter we move close to the boy in a yellow, hooded raincoat.  His eyes are closed with a slight smile on his face.  In his right arm, tucked inside his raincoat is Louis.  The boy holds a large red umbrella over them in his left hand.  The umbrella fills the upper left top and more than half of the right side of the image. 

Through the voice of this teddy bear in words and illustrations readers come to understand no decision is every set in stone.  Each choice, however dissatisfied we might be, needs to be carefully weighed.  Louis written by Tom Lichtenheld with illustrations by Julie Rowan-Zoch is a delightful story of the ups and downs of forever friends.  I highly recommend this title for storytime themes of bears, toys, humor, or friendship.

To learn more about Tom Lichtenheld and Julie Rowan-Zoch and their other work, please follow the link attached to their name to access their websites.  Tom Lichtenheld has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Julie Rowan-Zoch has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  In her Instagram feed Julie has a lot of different costumes for Louis children will enjoy viewing.  As a debut illustrator Julie Rowan-Zoch is featured on Maria Marshall's site, KidLit411, Beth Anderson's site, the Soaring '20s, Jena Benton's site, Susanna Leonard Hill's site, and Critter Lit.

It is usually forbidden in most schools due to the fact its appearance, when not in use, can cause an assortment of problems, especially for the school custodians.  This rule, however, never matters to a select few students.  They can be caught smacking and chewing with abandon and are reminded to dispose of their gooey treat.  On those special days when the rule is temporarily lifted, in short order all are reminded of the detriments of gum.  

When it gets stuck where it is not wanted, it is disastrous.  On Account Of The Gum (Chronicle Books, October 6, 2020) written and illustrated by Adam Rex is a journal, in a day, of gum being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  As if having gum in your hair is not bad enough, be afraid.  It can get worse.

That's the gum.

Right there.

That you got in your hair.

Your dad has an answer to this problem . . . scissors.  Well, that does not work.  Now the scissors and the gum are stuck in your hair.  On the Internet, two sticks of butter are said to release the gum and the scissors.  Four items are now adhered to your hair.  Things are looking grim.

Auntie's antidote is wrong.  Grandpa's noodles and bacon sure don't assist in this issue at all.  Perhaps a rabbit to eat Auntie's grass will help.  Nope. 

Another animal is added to scare the rabbit.  A noisy household appliance does absolutely nothing about either of the critters now seated on the head of hair.  Somehow a cake enters the scene and becomes a mess on the floor.  Auntie is shown the door.

In what seems mere minutes, everything but the kitchen sink and everyone else (A guy with bees?) arrives to do their best to get the mess out of your hair.  You shout in our loudest voice.  You are heard and surprisingly enough, appropriate actions result.  In fact, something miraculous happens.  Who knew?  This is a day to remember.  It will be properly recorded, too.  HA!  

The words in this story roll out in conversational, rhyming word play.  Adam Rex has an unseen narrator talking with the child about the gum in their hair. This voice speaks as if they are right in the room with the child.  This elevates the comedy with every page turn until you are laughing out loud, unable to contain your mirth.  And some of the remarks made as an aside will have you rolling on the floor with exuberant elation.  Here is a passage.

Oh---

       I know what to do:

It's a little bit mean,

but the cat always gets

really scared when I clean.

Just watch---she'll run off

and hide under the bed

if the vacuum comes anywhere

close to your head.

The marbled pink canvas on the open and matching dust jacket and book case looks suspiciously like pink bubble gum.  It's a perfect choice for drawing our attention to all the items and critters in the child's hair.  At this point the gum is the least of their worries.  As if all the action in their hair is not funny enough, the expression on their face is sure to promote giggles and grins.  

To the left, on the back, is a Johnny Bubble and his Pals cartoon.  It refers to the child's current problem and one of the animals. This illustration looks like those comics you find inside bubble gum wrappers.

On the opening and closing endpapers a collage of all types of gum wrappers and gum is muted in hues of pink.  On the closing endpapers is the addition of five images.  These are in reference to the second to last sentence in the book.  This day is one for the history books, or at the very least, the family photo album.

The visual interpretation of this story starts on the inside of the opening endpapers with the child in bed blowing a bubble.  On the back of the title page, they are sleeping, mouth open and gum falling out.  By the time they wake up, get dressed and head for the kitchen on the title page, the gum in their hair is discovered.  

On the dedication and publication information page at the back we are told:

the art in this book was painted in Photoshop.

We also see that another member of the family is in a bit of a sticky situation, now.

Adam Rex alternates his image sizes between single-page pictures with text on the opposite side on a white canvas or two-page images with the text carefully placed within the illustration.  The wide-eyed looks on the child are comedy personified.  The family members' expressions on their faces and body postures are exaggerated to magnify the marvelous fun you are having reading this book.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a single page picture.  At this point there is gum, scissors, grass, noodles, bacon, a rabbit, a cat, and a vacuum cleaner in the child's hair.  The child is seated at the kitchen table, still wearing the cape thrown over them prior to the cut-the-gum-out-of-the-hair failure.  This bib thing is resting on the table.  The child, shoulders hunched, and lips in a grimace, has rolled their eyes upward.  You can almost hear them thinking---"Why has this happened to me?"

If you want to have a storytime, one on one or with a large group, laughing themselves silly, read On Account Of The Gum written and illustrated by Adam Rex.  The rollicking rhythm of his words with his funny illustrations are sure to prompt requests of "read it again."  I would pair this with Lisa Wheeler's Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum.  No collection will be complete without a copy of this book.

To discover more about Adam Rex and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  Adam Rex has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images.  On September 3, 2020 Deadpan, Page Turns, Storytelling & Digestion: An Interview with Adam Rex is hosted at School Library Journal, A Fuse #8 Production by Elizabeth Bird, the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system.  I know you will enjoy this video posted by Chronicle Books.

The Laughter Side of Life

For several summers days were spent in anticipation of a sighting.  Plans were made to work or read in front of the cottage so the dock on the river was never out of view.  Whenever she (could have been a he) was spotted spirits were immediately lifted.

There was playfulness in every movement.  This otter of the river enjoyed having an audience.  I could have watched for hours.  On April 29, 2014 author illustrator Sam Garton sent I Am Otter (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) into the world.

HI!  I am Otter.
No one really knows where I came
from.  Otter Keeper says that he found
me in a box on his doorstep one day.

As is the case with most youngsters Otter is small and slightly frightened of Otter Keeper but this is soon remedied with the formation of a fast friendship.  Teddy, courtesy of Otter Keeper, becomes of member of the household.  The trio has loads of fun together, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

When Mondays roll around Otter performs every trick in the book to ensure Otter Keeper stays to play instead of going to work.  Constantly on the move and thinking Otter decides he and Teddy need a job too.  They are going to open a toast restaurant.

Soon it is plain to see this business has problems which are obviously Teddy's fault.  Reservations, the cost of toast and incorrect orders lead to customer complaints which in turn lead to customers being forced to leave.  Teddy is out of a job and Giraffe is the new chef.

As if Otter does not have enough worries, Otter Keeper comes home.  Getting everyone out of sight is highly difficult.  There is no time to clean up the mess.  Hide!

Unfortunately Otter Keeper finds Otter, orders a tidying up session and requires all the guests to be returned to their proper places.  In his defense Otter places the blame for this disaster on Teddy.  Where IS Teddy?  Oh, no!  There is no time to rest, Teddy must be found.  A sleepless night tells a tale with more than one ending.


Sam Garton must be part otter as his narrative clearly depicts the frisky nature of these charming creatures.  In the character of Otter we see an inventive personality with endless energy.  By having the story told from Otter's point of view, humor builds as the story progresses.  The disparity between the words and images are sure to generate multiple laugh-out-loud moments.


Digitally created using Adobe Photoshop all the illustrations, beginning with the matching dust jacket and book case, radiate the exuberance of Otter.  We know Otter will be cooking with his pals.  The tie hanging on the "O" signifies his stint as restaurateur.  The pale yellow background draws our attention to the vibrant full color palette.  On the back, to the left, we see other companions, toys, of Otter's along with a sign reading

tost
restrant
open ----->

The blue on Giraffe becomes the background color for the opening and closing endpapers (foreshadowing?).  On the title page Garton begins the story with a box left on the doorstep of Otter Keeper's home.  A crisp white is the canvas for all of the images.

The size of the visuals is a reflection of the text.  They are placed on single pages, two, three, or five to a page, toward the bottom, off to the left or right or for emphasis across two pages, edge to edge.  They are in direct contrast to and enhance the narrative.

Every single detail, of which there are many, heightens the hilarity; Otter wearing a helmet while drive a motorized car with Teddy as a passenger, Otter wearing glasses and a party hat singing karaoke, or Otter throwing Otter Keeper's clock in the goldfish bowl to stop time.   Otter's expressions especially when interacting with the inanimate toys are laughter-inducing.

One of many favorite illustrations is for the phrase

Some of the customers
complained and had to be
asked to leave the restaurant.

We see a window on the outside of Otter Keeper's home open.  Two clay pots are on the sill.  A garbage can, overflowing, is beneath the window along with a broom.  Toys are being tossed out of the window.

This year on May 5th, the second book in the series Otter in Space (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) was released to readers.  An outing with Otter Keeper and Teddy does not end with the return home.  Ever creative Otter is ready for a new adventure.

On Sunday, Otter Keeper took me
and Teddy to the museum.
The museum is the best place ever!

A dinosaur skeleton, a large life-like bear, classic artwork and artifacts are all intriguing but the section dedicated to space is Otter's favorite place.  Interactive exhibits are a treat for this on-the-move otter.  At the gift shop an armload of goodies to take home is reduced to a single item by Otter Keeper. The toy space ship is nifty but what's a rocket without a moon rock.

On Monday, Otter, Teddy and Giraffe all agree a moon rock is needed.  Otter thinks and thinks and thinks some more.  Like a blast into outer space, the perfect plan pops into Otter's head.  Teddy and Otter are going to get a moon rock from the moon.

A list of necessary steps is made and followed.  Space suits are fashioned and training is started.  Teddy is having a hard time with keeping the gear on and problem solving but does a smashing job with antigravity (washing machine).  It seems Giraffe is selected to be mission control.

Totally focused and clearly task-oriented Otter builds a spaceship destined to land on the moon or the nearby slide.  The results of the journey are not as expected but our fearless astronaut is not to be deterred.  A moon rock must be secured for the return to Earth.  Otter Keeper in none too happy about this newest discovery but Otter always has a plan.  You'll be triply surprised.


The way the mind of Otter works through the words of Sam Garton is a constant source of comedy.  His viewpoint appreciates the wonder found in everyday things; things others take for granted.  The simple sentence structure will appeal to younger readers (and those fortunate enough to read these aloud).  Here are a couple of sentences.

We saw a huge dinosaur skeleton
and met Teddy's cousin.
We looked at old paintings,
made before crayons were invented.
In a museum, even boring things
become interesting if they are
old enough.


Like the title text on the first book, when you run your fingers over it, you will feel the raised letters.  The shaded blue sky on the matching dust jacket and book case signify a journey in the making.  The attire worn by Otter, Teddy and Giraffe will certainly create smiles and questions.  To the left, on the back, Otter is reading a book titled Outer Space to Teddy as they sit on a hill.  The hue in the word Otter is used as the color for the opening and closing endpapers.

Beneath the title page text, we see Otter's backpack, the toy space ship, crayons, a museum guide and Teddy's backpack.  A charming two-page picture, for the verso and first page, features the museum, surrounding trees and decorated enclosure with Otter Keeper, Otter and Teddy standing in front ready to begin their tour.  Rendered in Adobe Photoshop the placement and size of the images supply pacing to complement and enhance the story.

As in the first title, Otter and Teddy wear attire as if they are small children.  When traveling in the car, Otter has a car seat and Teddy is securely fastened in a seat belt.  This will delight readers of all ages.  Another source of smiles is the writing of Otter.  Words are spelled as they sound but not necessarily correctly.

There are so many illustrations I adore in this title (as in the first one) but one of my favorites is of Otter and Teddy taking a lunch break before making the space suits.  The two are seated together on the floor.  Teddy is propped against the toy space ship with Otter feeding him strawberry jam with a spoon.  Otter is eating slices of toast and snacks while reading a comic book...upside down.  His water cup with a straw is close at paw.

Get ready for giggles and grins when reading I Am Otter and Otter in Space written and illustrated by Sam Garton.  A singular point of view and an ingenious spirit will endear readers to the character of Otter.  Hand these books to readers who love to laugh; life is too short not to enjoy it in the same spirit as this charming creation of Sam Garton.  Otter Loves Halloween hit shelves in book shops on July 21, 2015.  I can hardly wait to get a copy.

To learn more about Sam Garton and his work, please visit his website by following the link attached to this name.  There are two websites dedicated to Otter, I Am Otter, an updated blog and I Am Otter from the publisher. 

Enjoy this video about Sam Garton and some of the gathered tweets from Twitter. 

When I was small, I made a list of 'Things I am really good at'. pic.twitter.com/UzJazampWw

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 28, 2015

A long time ago I asked Otter Keeper what he thought my parents were like. He drew me this picture! pic.twitter.com/vKEmJjiuoy

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 22, 2015

Otter Keeper just found these old sketches of me! He still hasn't taken me to the beach... pic.twitter.com/HdWm3IECSN

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 17, 2015

Otter Keeper has been telling me about space. Turns out there's no oxygen on the moon! I'll need a protection vehicle pic.twitter.com/O2Tp7qPgBH

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 15, 2015

Seasonal Smiles

April 2007 heralded the birth of two new characters in children's literature.  Either one of them could be a beloved member of a family as a precious pooch or treasured toy.  Together they bring magic to the pages of their books now numbering four.

In each volume three everyday events are highlighted with focused and funny results. New meaning is given to going outside, wanting to play with a pal and changing your name in Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, April 2007).  Dog and Bear: Two's Company (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, April 2008) features running away and ice cream, birthday cakes and candles, and being tired and tender care.  A problem pail, brash bouncing and organizational overload keep the two friends busy in Dog and Bear: Three To Get Ready (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, September 2009).

With Halloween a little over six weeks away, excitement for this autumnal celebration is already building.  Laura Vaccaro Seeger's newest title, Dog And Bear: Tricks and Treats (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press), highlights the pair's preparations.  Their take on the simplest things makes for the silliest moments.

The first of three stories finds Dog and Bear wandering around a costume shop.  Bear holds up superhero apparel advising Dog, wearing a hot dog disguise, this is the one he wants to try.  In the changing room is a mirror.

Bear believes it is another Bear, identical in every respect to him.  Running to get Dog announcing this amazing news, the two now stand before the mirror.  As you can guess the final sentence proves that two heads are not necessarily better than one.

Halloween night has arrived in story two.  Bear is calmly reading his favorite book, the first book in this series, in his rocking chair.  Every time the doorbell rings, Dog leaps up eager to greet the trick-or-treaters.

After the traditional chorus rings out, Dog always replies treat.  After numerous visitors, Bear comes to check on Dog wondering why they still have candy.  Oh, they still have candy; way too much candy.

This title closes with Dog and Bear heading out to roam the streets, bags in hand.  At the first house a ghost refuses to give them any treats.  He, like the readers, can easily see that Dog and Bear are not wearing costumes.

The two look as they do every single day of the week.  A tennis-match-type argument ensues; back and forth, back and forth.  The final reveal leaves the ghost boo-less.


In each of the books, as well as this one, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, is a master at using a minimum amount of words for maximum results.  Within nine pages she successfully engages her readers, endears them to her characters and delivers a conclusion guaranteed to result in delightful peals of laughter.  Character conversations and thoughts build with a gentle tension; we know something is coming but we're not quite sure what it will be.  Therein lies Seeger's gift.


A consistency in the color palette, primary colors plus green and brown, with few exceptions is used in all the books.  These bold hues, against the pristine white of the background, pop off the page like familiar old friends.  The book case presents a clear, welcoming theme as do the opening and closing endpapers in orange.  On the title page the pumpkin present on the cover has now been carved into a jack-o-lantern with Dog and Bear on either side holding it.

Each story title, The Other Bear, Ding Dong and No Treats For You, is accompanied by a small illustration alluding to the narrative.  For most of the pictures Laura Vaccaro Seeger uses a single page.  Sometimes she will include two smaller framed visuals on a page.

Bear with his buttoned parts and Dog with his collar of gold are full of life especially in their facial expressions and body movements.  One of my favorite illustrations in this title is Dog greeting two trick-or-treaters, a skeleton and a mummy, at the door.  His nose is in one of their bags.  Careful readers will notice the difference between the tables with the bowl of treats in this picture in comparison to the previous one.  Seeger is building up to the ending in the best possible way.


I am a huge fan of this series written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.  This new title, Dog and Bear: Tricks And Treats, is as clever and captivating as the others.  They are ideal for the intended audience and those of us lucky enough to be able to read them aloud.

For further information about Laura Vaccaro Seeger and her work please visit her website by following the link embedded in her name.  For two separate activity kits follow the links here and here. To celebrate this new book I am hosting a giveaway.  Please enter below for a chance to win a Dog and Bear READ poster and one hundred matching bookmarks.