Well, when the book in question is Chloe and the Lion you get creative fireworks! Right off the bat, you get the feeling that this is not going to be your typical picture book. The author appears on the title page as a clay figure (à la Wallace & Gromit) and introduces himself: “This is me, Mac. I’m the author of this book.” On the following page, Mac introduces us to Adam, the illustrator (also represented by a clay figure). Next, we meet a young girl named Chloe (drawn and illustrated cartoon-style). In case you have any doubts, Mac informs us, “She’s the main character of this book.” Chloe is standing in what appears to be a photograph of a stage with painted scenery. The story begins innocuously enough with Chloe looking for coins so that she can buy rides on a merry-go-round. On the way home, Chloe gets lost in a forest and the text (as written by Mac) calls for a large lion to leap out at the girl. But instead of a lion, we see a giant dragon on the page. Mac pops up to interrupt the story: “I’m sorry. Hold on. Adam, could you come out here?” A heated argument ensues between Mac and Adam (who drew a dragon because he thought it would be cooler), and ends with Mac firing Adam and replacing him with another illustrator. Then Mac rewrites the story so that the lion swallows Adam. But without Adam, Mac finds that things don’t go as smoothly as he’d hoped. First of all, the new illustrator is, well…let’s face it…just not as talented as Adam. So Mac decides he’ll be both author and illustrator—to disastrous results. Finally, a badly drawn Chloe has to take charge. First, she has some words of wisdom for Adam: “You’re the writer. Adam is the illustrator. We all add something to the story.” Then she sets off to rescue Adam, who’s still trapped in the lion’s stomach. Along the way to a happy conclusion, readers are treated to more comedic twists and visual high jinks.
This is a great choice for children who have an understanding of (or are beginning to learn) how stories are constructed. Wacky and ingenious, Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, pictures by Adam Rex, will have them chuckling over the wisecracking dialogue and poring over the innovative mixed-media artwork. (My favorites include the pages where Adam uses his powers as an illustrator to draw a pink bow on Mac’s head, put him in a sheriff’s costume, and stuff him in a gorilla suit.) Adults, too, will appreciate the clever humor and won’t mind rereading this one. Bravo, Mac and Adam! I can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo dreams up next.
Can you think of other books that get kids thinking about how stories are constructed? Do share!
Want to keep up with my reviews, and all of Barnes & Noble’s exclusive reviews, author interviews, videos, promotions, and more? Please follow us on Twitter: @BNBuzz!
