Matthew Olshan

In this fictionalized work of picture-book history, author Matthew Olshan and illustrator Sophie Blackall, who previously teamed up on The Mighty Lalouche, explore the first international flight in human history. Following upon the first manned balloon flight in 1783, Englishman Dr. John Jeffries and Frenchman Mons. Jean-Pierre Blanchard set out in a balloon on January 7th, 1785, hoping to cross the English Channel. Their journey is not without incident, and the pair, none-too-friendly to show more begin with, find that they must work together if they are to survive. Jettisoning everything they can, they eventually find they must take drastic (and humorous!) action if they are to stay afloat...

I had the pleasure of seeing illustrator Sophie Blackall read A Voyage in the Clouds aloud to a group of grade-school children, and can attest to the fact that young readers and listeners appreciate the humor of the strategy that Jeffries and Blanchard must employ to keep afloat. The fact that they must urinate over the side of the basket is made all the more amusing for being true, something the afterword confirms. For my part, I also enjoyed the humor in the often snarky back-and-forth exchanges between the doctor and his French pilot, and thought that the watercolor artwork - as is to be expected in a book from Sophie Blackall - was absolutely gorgeous! Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that are both informative and entertaining, or who enjoy tales of aviation pioneers. show less

When the humble Parisian postman Lalouche, who loves nothing so much as delivering mail and caring for his pet finch Geneviève, is fired from his job, he answers an advertisement asking for sparring partners at the local boxing hall. Although slim and short, Lalouche is fast and strong, and has a surprising undefeated run as a boxer until called back to the post office...

An entertaining little tale, written expressly by adult author Matthew Olshan for children's illustrator Sophie Blackall, show more because Blackall apparently collects antique pictures of boxers - this information is provided on the rear dust-jacket flap - The Might Lalouche features lots of interesting period details, and humorous watercolor artwork that captures Lalouche's improbable experiences as a boxer. Children will enjoy this tale of an underdog who triumphs, while they might also learn a little from author's afterword, which provides more information about La boxe française, a sport very much like modern-day kickboxing. Recommended particularly to young children who like professional wrestling, with its performative element. show less

I really enjoyed, “The Mighty LaLouche” for many reasons. First, the illustrations within the book were absolutely stunning and made me feel like I had been transported to France. Secondly, I really enjoyed how the book included a dictionary of a few French phrases used in the story, so I could follow along and know what the characters were saying. Lastly, I love how the character of LaLouche, a very talented boxer, gave up his fame and fortune to go back to his humble career of a show more postman. In the beginning of the book LaLouche is let go from his job as a foot postman (a career he loves) and replaced by an electric autocar, who can get the job done faster. Out of necessity, LaLouche decides to become a boxer who is doubted by his manager and other competitors at first because of his slight size. However, after proving everyone wrong and becoming an undefeated boxer, LaLouche returns back to his old job of a foot postman when the cars stop working. I think it’s great that the author included this about LaLouche because it emphasizes how fame and fortune can’t buy someone happiness. This brings me to the, “central idea” of the book. I believe that there are two big ideas in, “The Mighty LaLouche.” First, I think one idea is that when you have something to win for, you fight for things harder. This is exemplified when LaLouche has to take on the Anaconda, a very enormous and scary rival. The Anaconda is faster, stronger, and nimbler than LaLouche. However, the Anaconda is a very pompous person and thinking that he beat LaLouche, starts to impress the crowd by flexing his muscles. However, LaLouche, who loves his pet bird, the mail, and his county, is empowered by these things and ends up beating the Anaconda, who just wanted to win so he could act even more conceited. This important message of always having someone or something to fight for is a very important message to keep people motivated and determined. The second big idea within, “The Mighty LaLouche” is the importance of always being humble. Even though LaLouche became an undefeated boxer he always remained humble which allowed him to be happy with the little things in life, like being a postman and having an apartment with a scenic view. People like the Anaconda, who want to be as flashy and pompous as they can be, tend to oversee the tiny, important things in life, thus missing the beauty of it. show less

picture book for older readers/readers with longer attention spans. I read this one today to a class of 4th graders and again to a class of 6th graders and both groups of kids seemed to enjoy it (one kid REALLY enjoyed it). It is a different story that doesn't seem too babyish, and interesting enough to keep an adult's attention. I did have to apologize for mispronouncing the french words (I keep trying to read impossible! in Spanish) but the kids never mind.