Staff Pick
Two clockwork toy mice, fused at the hands, set out to become "self-winding," finding cruelty and kindness in equal measure. Poignant, darkly funny, and not just for kids. Recommended By Miranda T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Since its publication in 1967, book lovers have lauded Russell Hoban's The Mouse and His Child. Now 2001 Caldecott Medalist David Small's haunting charcoal-and-ink illustrations energize and elevate this moving tale of two toy mice that come to life." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Gr. 4-up. First published in 1967 with illustrations by Lillian Hoban, this unusual book has had a small but devoted following, including many adults, who respond to its philosophical underpinnings and understated style.... [David Small's] dynamic yet sensitive black-and-white artwork will appeal to adults and children alike. The illustrations' economy of line, grace of expression, and underlying wit reflect the spirit and subtlety of the text." Carolyn Phelan, Booklist
Review
"Whimsy and Swiftian satire abound in this high-spirited adventure novel. Ages 8 up." Christopher Moning, Children's Literature
About the Author
David Small won the 2001 Caldecott Medal for So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George. His many books include The Gardener, The Friend, George Washingtons Cows, Imogenes Antlers and Hoovers Bride. He is also the illustrator for Russell Hobans The Mouse and His Child. His most recent title is My Senator and Me: A Dogs Eye View of Washington D.C, written by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
After receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale, David Small taught drawing and printmaking on the university level for 14 years. He lost his job in the 1980s due to cutbacks. This brought both a crisis and a commitment to begin working on combining his love of art and writing. Submitted to more than 20 publishers, his first book Eulalie and the Hopping Head was eventually published in 1982.
Small works with watercolor, pen and ink, and pastel. His later works have a much softer look, but they continue to include his trademark attention to small details that beg to be poured over again and again. Growing as an artist is important to Small. He feels he has not yet done his best work, and enjoys challenging himself with new ideas, styles and media.
Small lives in Mendon, Michigan, with his wife, the writer Sarah Stewart.