The pictures are better than the story; the pictures are wonderful. ( )

The work of Hieronymus Bosh fascinates me. What a treat it was to find a book not only about my beloved artist but one that is a work of art all by it self. Pish Posh Hieronymus Bosh is a children’s book written by Nancy Willard and illustrated by The Dillons (Diane and Leo.)

Bosh lived and painted in the Netherlands during the thirteenth and fourteenth century. His paintings are famous for their strange little creatures. I look at them and at times, the paintings appear futuristic with the alien like creatures and flying spaceship like objects. My first impression of his work was the science fiction like quality.

This children’s book is written in rhyme, and tells a story of Hieronymus and his disgruntled housekeeper. Sick and tired of tripping over and caring for a myriad of unbelievable le creatures, she packs her bag and off she goes. She soon discovers the creatures have literally attached themselves to her for she is not only a housekeeper but to the creatures, “a mother.” Apparently, the life she wished for was not to be.

“They’re not what I wished for. When women are young, they want curly-haired daughters and raven-haired sons. In this vale of tears we must take what we’re sent, Feathery, Leathery, Lovely, or Bent.”

In addition to the wonderful story about Bosh and his housekeeper, the book is a thing of beauty worthy of consideration as a family treasure. The text type and display type were hand lettered and are near three dimensional in appearance. The original artwork is unique and colorful. The book is presented on 100-pound Natural Karma paper meant to endure for generations of readers.

Short Biographies of Bosh, the author and the illustrator serve as cream to this wonderful desert of a book. ( )

Adults and kids alike will love this book. The illustrations are gorgeous and luscious. The author/artist uses inspiration from the real artist, Hieronymous Bosch (whose work is much darker) to create a fable of how magical life would have been with him if his characters came to life. I love this so much, I own two copies. ( )