PINCH AND DASH MAKE SOUP by Michael Day with illustrations by Thomas Yezerski (Charlesbridge 2012) is about two good friends named Pinch and Dash. One day Pinch is hungry but does not want to make his own soup. So, down the block he goes to Dash's house. Dash is making soup, but it is Skinny Soup. Soon, Pinch is helping Dash make a better soup. Some readers might see a resemblance to Stone Soup and similar stories here. I am quite sure that is intentional. The friendship between Dash and Pinch is solid but at times querulous. Simple text makes this a good choice for just becoming independent readers. <219>
A new Maurice Sendak is cause for all sorts of celebration. BUMBLE-ARDY does not disappoint (MDC Books/Harpercollins 2011). I have been glancing at my copy for a long time, waiting for an extended time so I could examine the illustrations and read the story a few times, knowing the depth and delight of Sendak. And it is here, folks. Bumbleardy has not had any birthday parties until his parents are eaten and he is adopted by his aunt. After she leaves for work, Bumbleardy throws himself a party. The guest come in costume. Some costumes are tributes to characters from past Sendak work and some from other authors' books as well. Double page spreads, textless, mimic a wild rumpus of a party that is interrupted by Bumbleardy's aunt returning from work. Not for kids, this is a lovely way to spend a leisurely hour for those of us who admire Sendak's art and artistry. <220>
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