By Tony DiTerlizzi
2003 Caldecott Honor Book
Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-689-85289-4.
Mary Howitt wrote this chilling tale for her own children in 1829. The smooth talking spider and the beautiful little fly have been with us for generations but Tony DiTerlizzi has brilliantly brought their dangerous dance into the limelight again. The story is simple enough. The spider lures the fly into his home. He offers her fine things and delicious treats. She refuses his advances until he sings her a silly love song. She is flattered, flys too close and is captured.
The illustrations are reminiscent of the old black and white horror movies. It seems Frankenstein will emerge from the shadows at any moment. The illustrations are elaborately detailed and breathtaking. The seductive spider mesmerizes the reader, as well as the fly, with his devilish charm and butterfly curtains. Ghost bugs seem to float above the pages and cobwebs are found around every corner. The mood is dark and eerie but strangely enchanting. Shadows are discovered on every page and a riveting shadow on the final page implies the end for our fly friend.
This is was my favorite picture book from 2002. I uncover a new detail each time I read the book. The children just love to look at the pictures and listen to me read the voices of the lecherous spider and the sweet young fly.
What the Critics Have to Say...
Older children will be most likely to catch the intricacies in the monochromatic artwork--the various poses of the multiple appendages, the butterfly-wing curtains, and other delightfully creepy buggy details. Only a few will think past the story and wonder about the fact that most spiders are female. -Booklist
This title is worth purchasing for its valuable artwork alone.-School Library Journal
DiTerlizzi has spun a visual treat that young sophisticates and adults alike will enjoy.-Publishers Weekly
By Mark Teague
I contine to suffer horribly as I roam this barren wasteland.
ISBN: 0-439-20663-4
Ike LaRue has been sent to Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy because of his bad behavior. Every day he sends a letter to his "owner" asking to be forgiven and released from "jail.” He tells Mrs. LaRue how terrible he is being treated at the "prison" and how he has been framed for crimes he did not commit. He eventually breaks free from bondage and returns home in time to save Mrs. LaRue from certain death.
The illustrations in this book tell a different story from the printed word. The realistic color illustrations on the pages tell what is REALLY going on at Brotweiler. Ike LaRue is living large at the academy. Mark uses black and white illustrations to show Ike’s point of view and/or incredible imagination. For example, Ike talks about how bad the cafeteria is in his letter to Mrs. LaRue. The black and white illustrations show Ike begging for a bowl of stew from the big black pot. That is what Ike wants Mrs. LaRue to think. In reality, Ike is being served a four-course meal at his own private dining table! Ike’s language and imagination flow freely. How can you not like Ike?
Dear Mrs. LaRue is a delightfully funny book to be enjoyed by all ages.
What the Critics Have to Say...
All in all, a tail-wagger of a book that will have readers howling with amusement.- Publishers Weekly
Amazon.com. 1986-2003. Available from http://www.amazon.com. Accessed 30 January 2003.
