Well, that took a little while, didn’t it? I spent the last week (and then some) wrestling the bee book into finer shape. It is now back on my editor’s desk; here’s hoping she loves it!
Because the housework that has built up around here this last week is truly revolting, I have decided to do something much more fun with my lunch hour. Instead of sorting laundry I am going to tell you about my new favorite book:
CHICKEN CHEEKS
Written by Michael Ian Black
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Simon & Schuster, 2009
To me, CHICKEN CHEEKS is a perfect picture book. The words are interesting and, at times, inspired. The art is lovely and runs riot off the page. But neither text nor art is completely unforgettable … until they are joined. Only when Michael Ian Black’s fiendishly funny forty-two words are paired with Kevin Henkes’s zany picture story do you lose yourself in CHICKEN CHEEKS. I think this book is a masterpiece. And I think kids will love it. LOVE. IT.
Check it out and tell me if you agree.
(By the way, I’m intentionally withholding plot information. This is the sort of book you should experience blind, so to speak.)
Okay, I’m off to start the laundry…
Although my copy of Suzanne Collins’ HUNGER GAMES did arrive today …