Monkey Business

This book is exactly what a picture book should be. Wallace creates sentences and illustrations using idioms. To see one without the other isn't much, but the combination of words and illustrations is magic. He uses lots of visual puns and a dry humor that rewards perception. A delight for the right reader.

It really is wonderful. My old eyes *can* make out details, because Edwards' technique is clear and bright. These would make terrific posters - but I won't check up on that because I don't know which I'd choose!

*Perhaps* my favorite is As an artist, Nash [a beaver] was constantly looking for things to sink his teeth into [and carve into creations akin to totem poles]."

But I also love Cat out of the Bag, and True Colors.... Just a delightful book; give it as a gift to your favorite child, artist, Language Arts teacher, or ESL tutor. I will look for more by Edwards."

This book is not only charming, but informative and it has some of the most amazing illustrations I have ever seen! Mr. Edwards takes a lot of commonly used idioms and uses them correctly in a sentence, but illustrates the literal meaning of the words in the sentence! He uses a very colorful cast of animals and all the illustrations are sure to please. He even includes the definition of an idiom in the beginning and a handy idiom dictionary in the end. I used it to teach a lesson on idioms and it was the most helpful book.

Beautiful pictures illustrating common idioms? Count me in!

3.9, K-3

Reviewed by Kenneth Oppel (Quill & Quire, Aug. 2004, Vol 70, No. 8)
'This is a book whose appeal is fleeting and totally visual. There is no story, there are no characters.'

Reviewed by Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Nov. 1, 2004, Vol 101, No. 5)
'the pictures are delightful mix of painterly and amusing'

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly, Oct. 4, 2004, Vol 251, No. 40)
'pairs deadpan text with multilayered illustrations that are at once humorous and absurd'

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