WHO PUT THE B IN THE BALLYHOO?
Written and Illustrated by Carlyn Beccia
Houghton Mifflin, 2007
Category: Picture book, Abecedarium
Among the spectacularly talented people I met this weekend in Nashua was Carlyn Beccia, author and illustrator of WHO PUT THE B IN THE BALLYHOO. I have a special interest in this book, because it’s art graced the cover of the Houghton Mifflin Books for Children Spring 2007 Catalog. Since my very first book for children appeared in this catalog, it seemed to me I should have a signed copy of the book. (Honestly, do I not come up with the best excuses to buy books?)
So, I bought a copy of WHO PUT THE B IN THE BALLYHOO?, read it, and immediately bought two more copies. (Christmas gifts. I am already kicking myself for not buying more.) It is a special book, full of intriguing circus trivia (like the origins of the phrase “Hold your horses!”, the definition of ballyhoo, the skinny on fleas, and the inspiration for Uncle Sam) and art celebrating the classic performers (Uno—The Serpent Queen, Captain Costentenus—The Human Art Gallery, Ravishing Ruth—The Fat Lady). Text that educates, art that enchants … what more can one ask from an ABC book?
I met Carlyn at the Saturday signing, and she is as charming as her debut picture book. She inscribed my copy (“To the Amazing and Spectacular Loree!”) and we had a lovely chat about the joys of being Houghton authors. Just one of many moments that made this New England SCBWI Conference one to remember.