Vincent X. Kirsch

Rudy and Riddle Toolittle, two brothers whose family owned and operated the Toolittle Toy laboratory, had an important job: testing all of the playthings produced by the company. Then one day, Rudy declared that he was getting too old to play with toys, which he decided to examine more analytically. Could Riddle find a way to bring his brother back to their true calling...?

A sweet story of brothers, toys and the fun young boys have playing with one another, The Two Little Boys from Toolittle show more Toys pairs an engaging narrative with humorous, appealing artwork. I particularly appreciated the ways in which author/artist Vincent Kirsch's illustrations expand upon the text, depicting Riddle and his clever method of dealing with his somewhat obtuse elder brother. Children will enjoy being "in the know," as they witness the scenes in which Riddle dons and then takes off his disguise. I also liked the decorative end-papers, especially the ones at the rear, which show the Toolittle Toy company's catalogue of toys. Recommended to anyone looking for fun toy-centered tales for the picture-book set. show less

When Roger's best friend Adelia announces that she is moving away, she softens the blow by telling him that she will teach him how to climb a tree. As she goes about gathering various materials, she gives instructions about each step of the process. As she is leaving, Roger asks her what will happen if he falls, to which she replies: "Falling will be easy. Letting go will be the hardest part..."

The third picture-book I have read from author/illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch, following upon his show more The Two Little Boys from Toolittle Toys and The Chandeliers, this sweet little story addresses one of the common challenges of childhood: parting with a good friend, when one of your must move away. I thought the use of the idea of letting go, in Adelia's instructions about tree-climbing, was inspired, as clearly Roger needs to do just that, not only with the tree, but with his friend as well. The illustrations here, created using a variety of media (watercolor, blank ink, glue, graphite, cut tracing paper), are colorful, engaging, and always expressive. I particularly like the four-panel page in which Roger climbs the tree, which is juxtaposed with a full-page illustration of him sitting upon a high branch. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about saying goodbye to a friend, because they are moving away. show less

A stage family par excellence, the Chandeliers, from writer/director/designer Mr. Maximilian Chandelier to dancing prodigy Daffodil Chandelier, were all famous for their various talents. Only Rufus, the youngest and most obscure member of this performing giraffe ensemble, remained behind the scenes. Despite that fact, or perhaps because of it, he managed to save the show on a consistent basis, until eventually he too received the accolades he deserved...

The second picture-book I have read show more from author/artist Vincent Kirsch, following upon his The Two Little Boys from Toolittle Toys, The Chandeliers has that same mix of quirky characters, madcap adventure, and appealing artwork. I appreciated the decorative end-papers, in which Kirsch sets out his cast of characters, and thought the illustrations throughout were quite amusing. The story itself is engaging, and ultimately heartwarming, as Rufus eventually gets the recognition he has coming, for working so hard behind the scenes. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books addressing life on stage, or the theme of being the youngest in a family. show less

I was looking forward to a pleasant ride through a picture book about a sweet LGBTQ+ romance, but the story kept popping the clutch and grinding gears. The repetition, the circling around, and the characters referring to themselves in the third person just threw me out of the book.