Power and Glory (Paperark) - Softcover

Rodda, Emily; Kelly, Geoff

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1863736778 ISBN 13: 9781863736770

Publisher: Allen & Unwin (Australia) Pty Ltd, 1994

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.

About this title

About the Author

Jennifer Rowe is a versatile author of crime novels and other fiction. Emily Rodda is the pen-name she uses for her children's books. She is loved for her best-selling stories full of fantasy, humour and understanding of family life. Power + Glory is her first picture book. Geoff Kelly is a graphic artist and illustrator who experiments boldly with colour and design. His own picture books are Stuck With Baby and the picture-puzzle adventure, Very Very Odd.

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Allen & Unwin (Australia) Pty Ltd
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1863736778
• ISBN 13: 9781863736770
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32