Potch & Polly - Hardcover

Steig, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374360901 ISBN 13: 9780374360900

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2002

Synopsis

A delightful collaboration

Born in the company of an angel wearing a clown's nose, Potch has always woken up happy to be who and where he is. Then, when he meets Polly Pumpernickel at a masquerade ball, he does a double backflip, but it's his heart that really goes for a whirl. Polly goes for a whirl, too, and winds up in a fountain after a dance-gone-wrong with Potch. One catastrophe follows another as Potch tries to win her affection. Just when things look utterly hopeless, Polly realizes that Potch isn't merely another annoying short bald guy, and she comes up with a plan of her own

About this title

About the Author:

Steig and Agee make a perfect match of story and pictures in this laugh-out-loud love story. William Steig is the award-winning author of numerous books, including, most recently, Wizzil. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jon Agee is the author and illustrator of many children's books, including The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau and Milo's Hat Trick. He lives in New York City.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4-This irresistible picture book has it all: a tongue-in-cheek text brimming with deliciously alliterative phrases, wry cartoons that mix visual gags with a comic-book punch, and a plot featuring two lovers who are taunted by twists of fate and turns of slapstick humor. Born with a clown-faced angel cavorting nearby, Potch enjoys a happy childhood and grows into a contented adult. Then one day, he receives an invitation to a masquerade party and goes dressed as Harlequin. He is having a "ball at the ball" when he lays eyes on Polly Pumpernickel and is instantly smitten. Passions build as the couple takes charge of the dance floor. Just when it seems that they will "prance and pirouette" their way to a happy ending, Potch tosses his partner into the air and she accidentally ends up in the fountain, drenched and incensed. Determined to win his lady's hand, he concocts several elaborate and ridiculous schemes to impress her. Unfortunately, something always goes wrong, and it's up to Potch's angel to find a way to untangle the heartstrings of these star-crossed lovers. Steig's delivery is flawless and funny, as outrageous plot turns are balanced by straightforward, almost staccato language that moves along at an exhilarating pace. Highlighted by crayon lines and subtly colored in pastel hues, the hilarious artwork expands and enhances the text. The balding, paunchy Potch and orange-haired, pencil-thin Polly make quite an eye-catching couple, and Agee makes the most of their antics. Dialogue balloons, sound effects, and varied layouts keep the energy level high. A sublimely silly and thoroughly satisfying love story.
Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0374360901
• ISBN 13: 9780374360900
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Agee Jon