Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Davisand#8217;s hilariously busy watercolor illustrations, complete with graphic elements like speech bubbles and dream sequences, are a neat match for Esbaumand#8217;s rhythm and rhyme, though itand#8217;s distinctly odd to see the clothed, anthropomorphized pups and#147;nipping bottoms.and#8221; Young writers and poets may well enjoy watching Stanzaand#8217;s creative process, however, and might even be inspired to write poems of their own."--
Kirkus Reviewsand#160;"In an ending worthy of Hollywood, Stanza helps his brothers Fresco and Dirge and#147;unleashand#8221; their own creative talentsand#151;painting and musicand#151;and the whole neighborhood becomes a happier place. The jaunty rhyming text and the buoyant illustrations fit the story perfectly. Even when the dogs are at their most menacing, there is an inherent cheerfulness. Muted watercolor, acrylic, and ink cartoon-style figures surrounded by all manner of objects pleasantly fill the street scenes."--
Booklistand#160;"Clever, pleasing illustrations augment this oft-told tale of staying true to oneand#8217;s self without fear of recrimination. The message, though well seasoned, is refreshed by lively characterizations of Stanza, his brothers, and the people around them. Children will delight in the details that are often hidden on the page. Rhyming verse makes this an especially fine read-aloud, but the real fun is in up-close scrutiny of the illustrations. A welcome addition to a collection or unit about self-esteem and self-realization."--
School Library JournalSynopsis
There's a slobbery thug in town, and his name is Stanza. He bullies everybody. He eats chicken pot pie. And . . . he writes poetry. On the sly. At night. Because heand#8217;s extremely afraid his bully brothers will find out. But Stanza doesn't let that stop him from entering one of his poems into a jingle contest. Does he win? Well, what if he did . . . not?
About the Author
JACK E. DAVIS is the award-winning illustrator of many wildly funny picture books, including Yo-yo Man by Daniel Pinkwater, Sweet Tooth by Margie Palatini, and Monster Goose by Judy Sierra. He lives in Port Townsend, Washington. andnbsp;