#90 Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller (2003)
22 points
Simple story-doughnut baked, man finds doughnut, man tries to eat doughnut, they end up together as master and pet. What’s not to love? - Kyle Wheeler
An absurdist masterpiece in both writing and illustration. Our hero goes through a lot in one day: being created, finding a home, avoiding consumption, and eventually welcoming his new role in life as a doughnut dog. Hilarious even after multiple readings with subtle themes of belonging, Arnie the Doughnut (published in 2003) has more personality in its publication page than some picture books have in total. - Travis Jonker
When we consider the pantheon of picture books where the protagonist gets eaten (Pierre, Ugly Fish, Arlene the Sardine, etc.) Arnie stands out precisely because unlike those other books he does not go willing into that good night. He rages, RAGES, against the consumption of pastries like himself. The book turns squarely on its head those picture books and Disney shorts of old where an inanimate object has thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. Keller has always been an original in many of her books (see: The Scrambled States of America) but I think that many of us would agree that Arnie is her masterpiece. The evidence? Well, though originally published in 2003 the book remains in print, in hardcover no less, to this very day.
The description from the publisher reads, “Arnie the talking doughnut convinces Mr. Bing that not all doughnuts are meant to be eaten. A deliciously imaginative story about friendship-from the author – illustrator of The Scrambled States of America. Arnie was fascinated as he watched the customers stream into the bakery. One by one, doughnuts were chosen, placed in paper bags, and whisked away with their new owners. Some went by the dozen in giant boxes. ‘Good-bye!’ Arnie yelled to each doughnut. ‘Have a good trip!’ ‘This is so exciting!’ Arnie beamed. ‘I wonder who will choose ME?’ At first glance, Arnie looks like an average doughnut-round, cakey, with a hole in the middle, iced and sprinkled. He was made by one of the best bakeries in town, and admittedly his sprinkles are candy-colored. Still, a doughnut is just a doughnut, right? WRONG! Not if Arnie has anything to say about it. And, for a doughnut, he sure seems to have an awful lot to say. Can Arnie change the fate of all doughnuts-or at least have a hand in his own future? Well, you’ll just have to read this funny story and find out for yourself.”
I am pleased to announce that a little birdie told me that there are plans in the works for making an Arnie the Doughnut early chapter book series in the vein of Bad Kitty. No word on when the series is slated to come out (2013 sounds like a probable bet) but keep your eyes peeled just the same.
Back in the day Booklist gave it a mixed review saying, “The quirky friendship story is sweet, but unsubstantial; and new readers may find the text on the chaotic spreads difficult to follow. Keller’s riotous collages, however, which are filled with gleeful puns, winning characters, and over-the-top silliness, are as manic and fun as a sugar high.”
SLJ was more positive saying, “Filled with offbeat humor, this fantasy spoof also highlights Arnie’s optimistic, can-do personality. Kids will eat it up.”
And Kirkus got creative when it said, “Strewn with text lines, onlooking pastries, snappy side comments, unusual road signs, and other details, the frenetic postmodern illustrations may requ
Bob Shea is leading the kids through some truly stellar dinosaur "roars" during a read-aloud of his new book "Dinosaur vs. Potty," a hilarious play-by-play of one little dinosaur's battle to resist going you-know-what, in the you-know-where. The story bounces along with Bob Shea using his best boxing ring announcer's voice to repeat the refrain, "Dinosaur wins!" at the end of each spread. Kids roar, and giggle, then roar some more - and the book concludes.
That's when Chris Raschka, Caldecott medalist and all around cool dude, leans over to me and whispers, "So, who wins? I couldn't see the pictures, is it the dinosaur or the potty?"
"I think the Dinosaur went in the potty... so I guess they both win," I say.
"I should save my questions till the end," says Chris with a wry grin.
"Yeah, we should probably stop all this potty talk," I say.
 |
| Left to right: Chris Denise; Anika Denise; Chris Raschka |
This is why I love doing group signings. Picture book authors tend to be down to earth, funny, frequently irreverent folks, content with the good fortune of being able to do what they love for a living. This past weekend Chris and I signed at
Books of Wonder in NY, alongside Jane Dyer (A Train To Dreamland) Tad Hills (How Rocket Learned To Read), Maira Kalman (The Pursuit of Happiness), Laurie Keller (Birdy's Smile Book), Chris Raschka (Little Black Crow), and Bob Shea (Dinosaur vs. Potty).
What struck me (besides the fact that all these authors are amazing, talented folks and I was honored to be counted among them) was the palpable appreciation for one another's work. The authors were clearly having just as much fun as the audience during the read-alouds.
Equally cool was hearing all the behind-the-scenes chatter about everyone's book projects, how they developed, where they are doing signings, what other artists they admire, how they promote their titles, etc. For me, an author relatively new to the industry, it was a fascinating and fabulous experience.
Next signing stop: Tomorrow! Saturday Dec. 11th: Where The Sidewalks Ends in Chatham, MA (on Cape Cod) 10a - 12p. Big Stella will be joining us (and rumor has it the mouse from "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" will be in the house too); they'll be a holiday stroll going on, hot chocolate, a cozy fireplace, and of course: books, books, books. Come see us!
Author: Laurie Keller (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Laurie Keller
Published: 2007 Henry Holt and Co. (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0805079963
Chapters.ca Amazon.com
Cluttered with comedy, melodrama and earthy, Looney-Toonesque artwork, this brilliant guide to social success is as hilarious as it is helpful.
(…er…actually….maybe more hilarious than helpful, as we now hear our girls screaming at each other “DO UNTO OTTERS, REMEMBER, DO UNTO OTTERS!!!!!”)
Other books mentioned:
HOTLINE VOICES: Michelle Mitchell from Scribbit: Motherhood in Alaska shares her thoughts about The Little Golden Book Anthologies.
Author: Laurie Keller (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Laurie Keller
Published: 2008 Henry Holt and Co. (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0805079971
Chapters.ca Amazon.com
Gaffes, guffaws and gargantuan grins explode from page after page of frantic action as fifty fervent American states peel themselves from cartographical slumber and paint the town.
As a Canadian, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I learned more about U.S. geography and statehood history from these forty pages of tumult, tables and talent than I ever learned in school.
Other books mentioned:
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show by Laurie Keller
Oh my...Laurie Keller is one funny lady, and she's back with The Scrambled States of America. This time, the crazy states are putting on a talent show.
Who knew geography could be so fun?
The book lures readers in from the very beginning:
"It all started simply, really.
In the middle of the night,
New York woke up from a dream and shouted,
HEY,
EVERYONE--
LET'S
HAVE
A TALENT
SHOW! "
You flip the page, and all of the states are donning top hots and dancing "Fred Astaire," style. The rest of the book covers all of the preparation and practice that leads up to the big show itself. Indiana is the director, Arizona is the costume designer, and Washington D.C. is the emcee. Georgia has a severe case of stage fright, and Dr. Globe has to perform a number of tests, including performing x-rays of her counties and cities, to make the diagnosis. His "prescription" will make kids chuckle.
The talent itself is varied. Some is predictable (Kentucky plays the banjo, and Pennsylvania plays the liberty bell), and some is downright hilarious. "Minnesota the Magnificent" saws South Dakota in half. The boy-band, the New States on the Block (New York, New Jersey, etc.) wow the ladies with their charm. Iowa, who looks like Rodney Dangerfield, tells some "corny" jokes. I could go on and on.
Along with the funny text, there is commentary among the states. For example, when the New States on the Block are performing, Missouri, who is in the crowd exclaims, "He's pointing at ME" while Colorado rolls his eyes and says, "Oh, brother." Very very funny. Keller's illustrations are just as hilarious as the text, and I find something new and funny each time I look at the book.
The end papers include two charts, one with statehood dates and the other with state abbreviations. Scattered all around the charts are various states commenting and asking questions.
This book is an excellent way for kids to have fun learning about the different states, and it's perfect as a read aloud. Actually, you HAVE to read it aloud. The first time I read it, I read it to myself, and it was funny. But the second time, I read it aloud, and I cracked myself up. I especially had fun using a Georgia drawl.
I highly highly recommend this book.
More information:
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (August 5, 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0805079971
- ISBN-13: 978-0805079975
- Source of book: Review copy from publisher
.jpg?picon=380)
Smart pick! Here’s my review (as posted on from Jacketflap.com):
“Silly, cartoony, just plain funny-fun illustrations fit flawlessly with this story about being kind to your neighbors. It’s presented in a woodland setting where our main character, a rabbit has a new family of beavers move in. He accepts the mantra of “do onto otters as you would have done to you”… and winds up taking us on a journey of exactly how he’d like to be treated and we see the rabbit/beaver dynamic in full swing. Lots of fun! My favorite line happens in the front matter before the story has even begun… Rabbit hops around with a hearty “DOO-DEE-DOO!” Kids will no doubt be hopping around doing the same!”
Laurie rocks! Thanks for the fun audio!
Great podcast-sounds like a book that would be popular around here!
Oh, Laurie Keller is one of my favorites! She’s a hoot and a half! I saw a reviewer call her a “goofball and a genius” once. I couldn’t have put it better myself.
My favorite page of this book is when the rabbit is contemplating having otters move to the neighborhood. Otters? Otters? My new neighbors are OTTERS!
ohhhh hahahaha! Good times. If you like this book you should really be the proud owner of Arnie the Doughnut too. It’s a classic tale of adoption and family…sort of.
[…] #6 Twilight)82. Jennifer (The Five People You Meet in Heaven)83. MFS (National Book Festival)84. JustOneMoreBook! Podcast (Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners)85. Stephen (The Suspicions of MR Whicher)86. Wendy (A Garden of Earthly Delights)87. Wendy (Ships […]