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.
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| 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!
Written by Anika Denise
Illustrated by Christopher Denise
$16.99, ages 3-8, 40 pages
A little girl braves the unknown of her new home with the help of her pudgy elephant toy, who grows to life-size when no one else is looking.
In this adorably illustrated book by the creators of Pigs Love Potatoes, a timid girl with pigtails puts on a happy face for her toy so that he doesn't feel as scared as she is.
As Bella leaves her old house with her stuffed elephant, Stella, clutched in her arm, she tries to act strong but inside her head is swirling with worry.
Counting every step leading out of the house, Bella looks back at the porch with sad eyes and assures her toy that everything will be okay.
But it's hard to let go of a house that's a home and through a car window Bella watches her home shrink away until there's nothing left to see.
Scrunched in beside her in the back seat, Stella has grown so huge that nothing else in the backseat can be seen.
In silence, the elephant looks back with the same nervous eyes, as the two snuggle through the drive together.
When they arrive at the house, Bella and Stella feel detached from everything they see. Even the porch steps are unfamiliar: there are ten instead of three.
Mommy says the house has character, but all Bella can see is dust, emptiness and all that's missing.
The kitchen walls are yellow instead of blue, and the yard has only shrubs and grass, not an oak tree like they're used to. And why does the bathtub have feet?
As they wander through the house, Bella comforts Stella, whose ears sag like those on a wet dog and her hooves point inward showing how shy she feels.
In one of the sweetest scenes, Stella crouches on her haunches behind Bella in the kitchen and from over Bella's shoulder, grips Bella's ha
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What a great cover! Thanks for sharing this great title-I'll have to put it on my next library order.
What a lovely blog... I look forward to following. Thank you for reviewing Bella and Stella Come Home!
Best wishes,
Anika Denise