Synopsis
The author of The Pigs Are Flying! and Finders Keepers has created a picture book as current as the latest video game. With bold illustrations by Geoff Kelly, here is a book for every child who loves electronic games. And what child doesn't? Full color.
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About the Author
Emily Rodda has written many books for children, including Finders Keepers, which School Library journal dubbed "a lively adventure," and several novels about the likable hero Rowan. The first of these novels, Rowan of Rin, won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers Award when it was first published. In fact, Emily Rodda has won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award an unprecedented five times. A former editor, Ms. Rodda is also the best-selling author of adult mysteries under the name Jennifer Rowe. She lives in Australia.
From Booklist
Ages 4^-7. Who would have expected a good picture book about video games? Children will sympathize with the young hero when he gets a terrific birthday present, a video game called Power and Glory, and begins to play it right away. Just as he gets involved, though, he has to stop playing: his mother calls him for breakfast, then his brother wants a turn, his big sister wants to watch TV, his dog demands a walk, and his father calls him away. Finally, the whole family watches as he defeats the video enemy. They (and readers) think the show is over, but the boy is poised to begin again: the last page simply reads "Now for Level 2." Each time the boy restarts the game after an interruption, he goes through all the stages and little further, creating a cumulative story within a story. Observant viewers will notice some humorous similarities between the characters in the video game and the family members who interrupt the fun. Reminiscent of Lane Smith's illustrations in spirit, the stylized artwork is remarkable for its tremendous energy, coherence of composition, and attention to detail. Gently rounded forms and spatters of wild colors define the large paintings, while the tiny pictures showing repeated actions in the game ("I walk the path. I climb the wall. I swim the stream. I find the key. I search the cave. . ." ) appear to be bold linocuts washed with bright shades of yellow, green, and magenta. Using type size and color for dramatic effect, the book design brings story and artwork together in a most dynamic way. An unexpected pleasure. Carolyn Phelan
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