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WHIMSICAL TALE SUPERBLY ILLUSTRATED
Yes, this is categorized as a children's book, but don't be misled. It's a book for all with a sense of humor who enjoy quirky, whimsical tales superbly illustrated.

Radunsky is as imaginative and incorrigible as ever, saying, "In my children's books, I often like to use strange, eclectic combinations: absurd, funny text paired with very serious, weighty images, and vice versa."

He has done this again - in spades, and it's terrific fun.

His story, in a nutshell, is reminiscent of a Russian folktale, "The Turnip." But, in this case, we have an asparagus spear, a monstrous protuberance that's growing in the king's yard. He tries to pull it up to no avail. The queen helps, the princess helps, the king's advisers try, even a rhino is unable to budge this giant veggie. At last, the king's mother arrives on the scene - you'll have to guess the rest. Suffice it to say one should always listen to one's mom.

Radunsky's paintings are stunning - he has drawn on Italian Renaissance art, combining his own paintings with fragments of classical Renaissance paintings. The results are splendidly smile provoking. Art aficionados will recognize the works of Bellini, Fra Angelico, Mantegna, and others. Children may well find a beginning interest in Renaissance art.

Gracie, Vladimir Radunsky. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Roscoe Wizzle notices many things. For instance, the way really weird situations can seem really normal. Or how "you never really know what you're going to think or when you're going to think it." Or the fact that there are "at least five different kinds of minutes"--from the Rubber Band to the Firecracker to the Sleeping Beauty. But the one thing that Roscoe somehow doesn't notice is that he is transmogrifying into a giant bug. (Roscoe quickly recounts the possible reasons for this oversight, beginning with "1. I don't spend much time looking into a mirror. Why should I? I am only ten years old.")

What's worse is that this transformation might have something to do with the way kids have been disappearing from all over Roseville, including Charlie Bog and Judy Pongarongatong. And, however unlikely it may seem, there could be some connection with Gussy's--the place that serves Jungle Drum burgers alongside Jungle fries and Quicksand shakes.

Will Roscoe and his "certified genius" pal Kinchy suss out what's up before it's too late and Roscoe's become a bug for good? Sit back and let Roscoe tell the tale, and--in between hearing about Roscoe's dad the cymbal tester and why an almost 74-year-old secretary became a jujitsu black belt--you'll surely find out. David Elliott, all wry wit, seems to have had quite a good time with his debut novel. (Ages 7 to 10) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Kids don't usually turn into bugs!
The Transmogrification of Roscoe Wizzle, by David Elliott is a great book. If you like exciting cliffhanger books, you will like this one. This book is written by the main character. The book is very exciting. The author writes that if you eat at a Burger restaurant for 6 months something bad will happen to you. In the sixth month, one day something does happen to Roscoe Wizzle. He turns into a bug during class because someone says the word "transmogrification". After a while, Roscoe and his friend go to Gussy's. Roscoe gets in a fight. I'm not going to tell you the rest of the story, so read the story. So if you like cliff-hanger stories call your mom up and ask her to start running!

Raves from a 10 year old
The best reward is that my 10 year old grandson just loved this book that I chose for him on instinct!! I wish there were other books by this author to buy - he really knows how to appeal to young readers - and what a great gift!

The Transmogrification of Roscoe Wizzle
My wife and I got the books on tape version of this book for our eight year old son. We were taking a seven hour flight to Europe and needed some quick ideas for entertaining him. He loved the book. Over the course of our stay he would listen to the book at least an hour everyday. In the end we considered putting limits on his listening time, then we heard the book with him. It was wonderful. Mr. Elliott has an excellent sense of humor that was perfect for both our son and for any adults listening. The story was great and never lagged. For parents more concerned with morals, the book has a strong positive message. We would highly recommend it and can't wait for his next book!

A ZESTFUL READING OF A ZIPPY TALE
The dialogue's zippy, it is a bit zany, a Kafka-like treat for readers age 7 and up. It's also tantamount to impossible not to like David Elliot's funny, upbeat farce.

First off, you can't expect Roscoe to be an average youngster - his parents, Waldo and Wilma Wizzle, are unlikely nurturers. Dad, is a cymbal tester, and Mom is an orphan who graces their dining table with either mashed potatoes or tuna surprise.

But the surprise isn't really in the tuna - it's in what happens to the town's youngsters when a Gussy's Restaurant franchise opens. What happens to Roscoe after ingesting countless "Jungle Drums," the world's largest hamburgers, is downright shocking.

Not to worry though when Roscoe and his best buddy, a vegetarian and amateur anthropologist, put their minds to it, nothing stops them.

David Krumholtz offers a zestful reading of this laugh provoking tale. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An Edward Lear Alphabet was first published in 1871, illustrated with the King of Nonsense's own incongruously matter-of-fact pen-and-ink sketches. Evidently Lear composed this rhyming alphabet for some children he befriended in a hotel, leaving a poem a day on the family's breakfast table. "A was once an apple pie, / Pidy / Widy / Tidy / Pidy / Nice insidy / Apple pie," he begins jauntily. Kids will love repeating the verses out loud--"E was once a little eel, / Eely / Weely / Peely / Eely / Twirly tweely / Little eel"--particularly early readers just learning to sound out words. Vladimir Radunsky's modern, explosively colorful, rather Monty Python-like collages (reminiscent of Yucka Drucka Droni) complement Lear's simple verse remarkably well, considering the century-long leap in style and attitude. These bold illustrations, many of which conjure a bald, bearded, bespectacled Lear, make the whimsical poet's verse all the more accessible. Readers who adore Lear and his joyful frivolity should also investigate the 1846 classic A Book of Nonsense, a rollicking, ridiculous poetic romp that no child or adult should be without. (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

fun to read AND listen to
the reviewer below is right--this ISN'T your average kids' book and that is what makes it so much fun! its silly rhymes make my 2 year old laugh out loud and although he can't say all the words, he does like to try. stick with winnie-the-pooh if you like, but if you want some bright, nonsensical fun, try this book.

A vibrant romp through the alphabet.
Vladimir Radunsky captures all the true spirit of Lear's alphabet verse by pasting up this classic into a virtual scrapbook--full of colors and images for the next milennium. The dumpiest of pumps, a goose-stepping little goose kicking off his boots, and even Edward Lear himself runs wild through the pages. But this is not just an expression of virtuosity, it's a lot of fun, too. A wonderful introduction to the alphabet and the work of two masters. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

The Maestro Plays
Bill Martin does another fabulous job! When read aloud, this book is musical and rythmical. It introduces children to rhyming words and is good for building children's ability to distinguish the ending sounds of words. All in all, this is a fun book to read and listen to. My preschool students love it!

My Kids' Favorite
This book was my daughter's favorite when she was a baby. Now her new little brother has reacted in the same way. Little ones don't often have to patience to sit still while you read every page of a book, but for some reason they find the Maestro so captivating that they request it over and over again. Our little crawler will drag it across the room and plop it in my lap. How can you say no to a request like that?

The greatest.
Nonsense in the best sense. Rhythm and clown. How can you miss with this, when, in the middle of the madness "He stops. He mops his brow"? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Telephone
This is a great book! My 7-year old daughter checked it out from her school library. It was easy for me to "get into the part" while I was reading it. I got so animated that my daughter had me read it to her over and over. She and I both laughed. I would recommend this to anyone. ... Read more

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four fun and well-shaped books
I'm always looking for interesting artwork in children's books for my little boy. This box set is an excellent concept: square- round- triangle- and skinny-shaped books for little kids to gain an understanding of these basic shapes. Radunsky has a delightful touch and subtle humor to his illustrations. (Skinny shows a pencil and a dachsund.) The size of the books is perfect for the 0-3 set, and each book contains about eight picture spreads. The four books also come in a nicely designed (albeit plastic) box, which makes them fun to pull out. Radunsky also has chosen uncommon (at least, I think so) items to show off the shapes: Square shows a cracker; Triangle shows a bird's beak and a street sign. For the price, I think this is a cool present for a two-year-old. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Bling Blang
If you remember Woody Guthrie, or even if you don't, this is a must. What fun to sing along with this book... " Bling Blang, hammer with my hammer, Zing-o zang-o Cutting with my saw" The sheet music is even printed on the inside of the jacket! Although the collage pictures are not to my taste, the joy of having fun singing this with my baby more than compensates. Kids will probably enjoy the children's artwork at the end of the book more than I.

The Music is Great!!!
While this book does not come with the bonus CD that 'Howdi Do' does, it is a great book with wonderful illustrations. But do your child a favor and also purchase the 'Howdi Do' book, you will then get the music CD performed by Band of Weeds, giving a childish musical romp to three of Woody's wonderful songs, including "Bling Blang", by far one of my children's favorites.

Jamburee
This is my 3 year old son's favorite book. Our whole family sings and dances as we read it. My son knows the whole thing and loves to pretend he is hammering and sawing. Buy it, make up a tune, sing it, and enjoy!

A book to sing
As a children's librarian in a public library, I'm always on the lookout for a good storytime book. This one is just right for singing out loud together. As a follow-up activity, the group can draw a picture of themselves building a house. The only fault I find with this book is the sheet music has been placed on the reverse side of the book jacket. In a library the patrons cannot get to that part of the book as it will be covered up. ... Read more

Book Description

A poem for children by the Nobel laureate muses on the past discoverers of America-fish, birds, then man-as well as future discoverers. Illustrated in gouache and collage, the poem is ultimately a celebration of a world open to possibilities.
... Read more

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Discovery by Joseph Brodsky with drawings by Radunsky
What a feast of imagination! My daughter (7) really enjoyed that book. Now she is in the middle of her own discovery of New York but her eyes were opened even wider by the book. Such a delight to have Joseph Brodsky addressing young children. I'm ashamed to call Radunsky's work illustrations. The book was created by what journalists call "fresh pair of eyes," even two pairs! Thanks for the book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Dudunya, if I may say so, you look like a pig." Dudunya replies, withwhat looks like a piece of prosciutto and a wet string bean atop his forehead,"Chester, dear, please excuse me." And so begins one of the most strangelyinformative dialogues you'll likely ever hear on the topic of table manners,subtitled "The edifying story of two friends whose discovery of good mannerspromises them a glorious future."

Chester and Dudunya's alter egos, Chris Raschka (Yo? Yes!) and Vladimir Radunsky(Yucka Drucka Droni),are--almost certainly--insane. But it's that really good sort of insane, thekind that sees through to life's deeper secrets, like the "16-Bite Potato-EatingMethod" and the proper way to fold a napkin for the queen ("Only the Queen maywear her napkin as a crown!").

As Chester guides Dudunya through the mechanics of the mange ("Drinkingwithout a glass... zebra style... ugly," "Dining without a napkin... wild boarstyle... filthy ugly"), Raschka and Radunsky's punchy illustrations and collagesmake sure that any actual learning going on doesn't interfere with the fun. Andin a book filled with so many hilarious little details, you'll probably need toread it at least a few times to properly appreciate them all--except, of course,the "Shawarma Uncle" on "Chester's Chart of Full-Mouthed Speaking Accidents,"which is pretty much impossible to pass by without laughing out loud. But thenagain, you'll probably want to study Table Manners carefully anyway, justso you, too, can be ensured of "a glorious future." (Ages 4 to 8) PaulHughes ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Bon Appetit!
For all parents who sit at mealtime giving directives, shaking their heads, and sighing as they watch their children chow down, there is finally a book about table manners kids will just eat up. Chris Raschka and Vladimir Radunsky have provided the logical reasons in word and art, for all those things you've been telling your kids for years...please chew with your mouth closed, don't play with your food, use your napkin, wash your hands before you come to the table, no dessert until you eat your vegetables... Written in hip, kid-speak language, their hilarious text is complemented by bold, bright and expressive artwork that will have readers laughing out loud and rolling in the aisles. Perfect for kids 4-8, Table Manners is a high spirited, manic romp through the ins and outs of basic eating skills, and youngsters will have such a good time poring over this busy book, they may not even realize there are subtle messages and simple lessons behind all the fun.

Check it out before buying
I've had this book for sometime (bought based on the first recommendation here ...), but found it hard to characterize this book: the humor seems to gear towards the young adolescent reader, the content--simple, simple instructions on table manners--seems to aim at the 2 or 3 year olds, the art work in the book (and the odd inclusion of photographs of headshots) seems to beg for appreciation from an adult reader (and it is not my cup of tea). I suggest that before you shell out ... look through the sample pages here to make sure that this is for you.

Too Simple and Too Advanced
This book on table manners has charming art and dryly funny text -- for an adult. The manners taught in it are way, way too simple for anyone but a 2 year old (eat with a spoon--not your hands, wipe on the napkin--not your sleeve, Don't put food in your hair), while the pictures and text are far too advanced for a two year old. A Ten year old might be tickled by the elaborate Russian names, but a child young enough for those lessons can barely talk yet. I bought Tiffany's Table Manners instead, and while it describes too many advanced manners for young children, it has a sufficiency of the ones they need, with plenty more to grow into. ... Read more

Book Description

Mr. and Mrs. Armadillo are blissfully happy newlyweds. Only one thing is needed to make their happiness complete-a child. And if one child is good, won't ten be better? Of course that means ten of every single present will be needed, whether it's potties, pets, tutus, or baseball caps.

Only the amazing mind of Vladimir Radunsky could have created this wonderfully silly story about the fun-loving Armadillo family. Lots of little-known details about armadillos are revealed here. Did you know that armadillos wear ear socks? Always clean, always in bright colors. Did you know they paint their noses blue? (No one knows why.) Children and adults alike will be captivated by the antics of the lively Armadillo clan ... Read more

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Counting Armadillos.....
"Here is the town where Mr. and Mrs. Armadillo live. They just got married, and they are crazy about each other..." They play in the park and rest on a bench when they're tired. They greet other armadillos passing by, and they dream of a family and what to name their future babies. And then one morning Mrs Armadillo notices her tummy is getting bigger, and bigger, and even bigger, and she announces that she's going to have a baby. Mr Armadillo rushes her to the hospital where she delivers not just one, but ten new green and pink little ones. Overwhelmed with the prospect of naming ten babies, they decide to call them One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten. "Perfect names. I am so happy." Ecstatic relatives arrive with gifts. Grandma brings ten potties...just in case everyone has to go at the same time. Grandpa brings ten baseball caps...he really likes baseball. Uncle Elmer brings ten tutus, because he's so happy he feels like dancing, and Uncle Elmer's wife brings ten pets. One great big, very, very happy family..... Vladimir Radunsky's entertaining, wacky story is engaging, and filled with joy, humor, and the author's witty asides. But it's his bold, bright, and busy illustrations that really steal the show. Each expressive, playful spread is rich in dazzling color, intricate patterns, vibrant, eye-catching details, and lots of opportunities to practice your counting skills. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Ten is a captivating, fun-filled, manic romp that is sure to charm and delight young and old alike. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun to read!
I read this book to my 4 year old neice, and to my two year old son. They both LOVED it. They asked me to read it over and over again! It has silly rhymes that can twist your tongue if you go too fast! The pictures aren't what you would expect for a children's book, but they are wonderfully done and even I like to look at them. I now have the book memorized and can tell it in no time flat. My husband likes to hear it becuase it makes his brain think if I tell it to him quickly. A must have for any book shelf!

Captivating!
My husband and I started reading this book to our newborn son, who was immediately taken with the silly, repetitive words, and was captivated by the fabulous, large, multi-color illustrations. Now, at 15 months, this is one of the only books we can be guaranteed that he will sit through to the end...it's a repeat favorite and is an excellent read aloud for even the youngest infants. A great gift idea, especially for parents and/or caregivers who want to share and instill multi-cultural values in their growing children. This very lighthearted story is about the 3 brothers and the 3 sisters with silly names who marry and have kids -- all are of different ethnic persuasions, have different interests and occupations -- and all are different sizes and shapes.

Delightful!
I am a first grade teacher. My kids absolutely love this book. You really have to practice reading the book aloud before you read it to anyone else. My class wants me to read this one over and over again. Check it out!

Simply Irresistible
I checked this book out of the library for my 2 1/2 year old about 6 months ago. Since that time we have checked it out at least 8 more times; it is always a requested favorite. My opinion...well at first I thought it was totally off-the-wall. Now I see that because my daughter loved this book so much, she can now read it as she turns the pages! She wants to know if Santa will leave it for her at Christmas.

If you hate it the first time through, read it again!
This was one of those books that took us two readings to appreciate- mostly because it's so very unusual and totally GOOFY. My three year old son, however, is now addicted to it, and calls himself by the name of the first character introduced...Yuck. (Isn't that a lovely name for a little boy?) So let loose a bit of what your expectations are of a "good" children's book... and let this one delight you and your child linguistically and visually for your next reading time you have together. ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know a little boy could stop a big war?

How?

Turn the page and read about the legendary Belgian boy who showed the world just how silly it is to fight. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Manneken Pis: A Simple Story That Entertains
When the book first arrived on the shelves of the library that employs me, most of my coworkers agreed they would never read the book to children. In fact, there were bets being placed as to how long it would last before some parent complained about the content. But, I'm here to say that Manneken Pis: A Simple Story of a Boy Who Peed on a War does more than just rely on the laughs the images of a peeing boy conjures. While I cannot vouch for the validity of the history lesson the book provides (not my best subject), I can vouch that the story engrossed the fourth grade classes I read it to. The story starts off as any other folk tale might, with a beautiful family in a beautiful town where everyone is happy. Soon the war strikes, and the book focuses most on the viciousness of war, showing the soldiers as pseudo-human gremlin types, and the ill effects it has on the town. The child, torn from his parents wanders the streets and in a moment of dire emergency, relieves himself from the top of the town wall causing the soldiers to break into a laughter so fierce that they fall asleep from exhaustion. When they wake up, no one can remember why the war started, and the little boy who peed on a war becomes a town hero, complete with a bronze statue named after him. The book's illustrations are simple and colorful and work great in this situation. Anything too realistic could have caused far more controversy than the book needs. Highly recommended to show children that war is bad, laughing and pausing to think is good, and sometimes, if a person REALLY has to go, they REALLY have to go. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Folk-music legend Woody Guthrie meets madcap artist Vladimir Radunsky (Yucka Drucka Droni) in the ebullient picture book and CD set Howdi Do, a cheerful song-story about a bright yellow dog who has to say hello to and "shakey paw" with absolutely everyone. It's perhaps the most contagiously cheerful book on the planet--a puppy madly running through town shaking everyone's hand, spreading good cheer, and saying "howdi do," of course. Radunsky's crisp, colorful collages shout and wave and bound with the simple song; once preschoolers listen to the accompanying CD they'll get the idea and join right in: "Howjee, heejee, hijee, hojee,/ Howdi do, sir, doodle-do." The four-song CD of kid-friendly Guthrie creations, performed by the Band of Weeds, adds even more rhythm and life to this happy offering. (Baby to preschool) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great little treasure!
...I...prefer Woody's music performed by Woody himself, but I can attest that my children would rather listen to the band that perform on the CD that comes with this book. We have a decent collection of children's music and the one CD that leads the lists of requests is this one. Perhaps (and hopefully) when they grow older they will prefer the authentic Woody, but at this young age, this version is much more pleasing to their ears.

And the book's simple and happy message is a wonderful way to introduce your young children to Woody Guthrie and his vision of love and compassion for all.

My little boy and girl (ages 2 and 4) cannot type yet, but I speak for them when I give this book and CD the full 5 stars.

Mildly Entertaining
The book made of Guthrie's song translates to written form suitable for very young children. It is mildly entertaining as a book, and the artwork, while flat and lopsided, is bearable. However, the accompanying CD is shamefully bad. I recommend skipping the book and buying one of Guthrie's CD's for children. The songs are much better when Guthrie sings them and accompanies himself. The music on this CD is as flat as the artwork in the book--no more banjo, please! On top of that, the mediocre musicians are accompanied by the Half Tone-Deaf Children's Chorus. The fourth track on the CD is a long, inane "discussion" between the book's artist and some children who are much too young and suggestible to have anything interesting (or even cute) to say. I recommend not wasting time on this package at all. If you do buy it, keep the book and turn the CD into a frisbee.

Woody Guthrie at his Best
Howdi Do is the narrative of the Woodie Guthrie song of the same title and it works as well in book form as in song. The text is cheerful and silly and complimented by the colorful illustrations of Vladimir Radunsky. Kids will love the simple rhymes of the verse and the silly words of the chorus. With the bonus CD of the song included inside the front cover, the whole family will be singing this folk song in no time. Read together, sing together and enjoy!

Guaranteed To Make You Smile
From the cover art alone, Howdi Do inspires giddiness and fun. This delightfully illustrated picture book is perfect for the 3-6 year old set, but will also make their parents laugh and smile. The Guthrie song alone is catchy enough, but when paired with Radunsky's eclectic and irreverent illustrations, its a winner all around. ... Read more

Book Description