“I guess I would hope the kids would read it and say, ‘I’m gonna be the best care giver ever’… if I could create that kind ambition and child when they want to get the little animal, then that would be a success.” -Chris Van Allsburg
Renowned children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van
Allsburg’s crowded children book shelves everywhere this week with his newest
title, The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie.
With stories that have anchored themselves within parents and even grandparents’
memories of childhood, it seems that Van Allsburg’s assortment of didactic
messages continue to carry on into contemporary children’s literature. Jumanji
teaches readers that quiet activities may be ok sometimes. The Polar Express may suggest children enjoy the imaginative world
that exists in childhood alone. The
Sweetest Fig might show readers how crucial kindness is in order to have a
good life. And if you hadn’t noticed, all Van Allsburg’s books have a bull terrier
dog hidden somewhere within its pages; this is a clever touch that started with
his first book and won’t be left behind (find out the story here).
The Misadventures of
Sweetie Pie is Mr. Van Allsburg’s newest addition and has a new look to the
classic Van Allsburg style. The illustrations are full color, with a much more
simplistic sketching style than other Van Allsburg books. The story itself
holds true to the Chris Van Allsburg learn-a-lesson style readers may be more
used to, and still also including the usually indirect messages that takes a
few readings to truly grasp sometimes hidden within the illustrations.
Since the story is from the point-of-view of a
sad/melodramatic/depressed/jaded hamster that longs for a better life, it's companions
similar aspects to Van Allsburg’s previous stories like The Sweetest Fig and Two Bad
Ants told from the animal’s side. Told
through the perspective of a small animal, it gives an interesting look into
what kid humans look like but without the judgment of the adult voice and maybe
helps children learn that small creatures need to be carefully cared for.
However, it seems particular that many grown up readers that
have been commenting on this book, on popular review websites, seem to be disappointed
with Van Allsburg’s latest work. And when considering the history Van Allsburg
has created through his style as author/illustrator, it’s understandable that
the same presentation his children’s books are sought after.
However, when reading The
Misadventures of Sweetie Pie over a second time small details in the
illustrations begin to emerge, like so many of his other books. On the first
page a girl with orange hair rides her bike with a cage mounted to the back of
her bicycle. The colors are bright and bold and complement each other so well,
without being too colorful and obtrusive. Digitally this book looks animated.
To take it for what it is, the newish style of illustrations
maybe refreshing from the classic black and white illustrations that are so
predominant to Van Allsburg’s books. It seems that no one remembers the
difference in style that Two Bad Ants had.
Similarly, Two Bad Ants holds darker
tones of color and lines for creating a depth effect. The
Misadventures of Sweetie Pie, maybe Allsburg’s most simplified appearing
illustrations, still look great and hold that unveiling feel the more one
stares at it. However, even more
interestingly the illustrations look great on an iPad or laptop. Whether or not
the book was created with the intention of creating the Van Allsburg-esc images
on a screen, it seems worth noting that children authors should take this into
consideration since it may be the way of the future.
Notes and References:
- “Two-timeCaldecott medalist Chris Van Allsburg talks about The Misadventures of SweetiePie” by: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- ChrisVan Allsburg FAQ
- Chris Van Allsburg Home Page
- GoodreadsThe Misadventures of Sweetie Pie page
- Get your own copy here
