Skip to main content

Mechanimals by Chris Tougas

By

I laughed out loud when I read this book the first time! I can't decide which I like better: the story or the illustrations. Maybe the story . . . a farmer, who has lost everything in a twister, is determined to make the most of the heap of scrap metal left behind. A cynical comment from a neighbor, "when pigs fly", gives him a brilliant idea. Within Mechanimals limited amount of text, 1-2 sentences or phrases per page, Tougas is able to present a problem, resolve, solution, and a happy ending. No, wait, maybe it's the illustrations . . . presented in scrapbooking style, the farmer, animals, and the "mechanimals" come to life and seem as warm and cuddly as any real cow, pig, chicken, or horse. My LOL came on the page where we see the chick-bots working hard, except for the one showing off his muscles. The lube and fueling cow-bot is also a real tickler. Tougas' watercolors, set against soft, pencil backgounds, are so enjoyable to look at. After you read it through a few times, go back and gaze at each page and notice the detail in all of the mechanimals. This is a perfect lap storybook (a book you read to a child sitting cozily on your lap).
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

De la hora del cuento: La letra "H"

By
  Cuentos Cuando tu niñera es una bruja Escrito por Ana Siqueira Ilustrado por Irena Freitas New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. Libro ilustrado. "Si consigues una nueva niñera y ya casi es Halloween, ten cuidado ... ¡porque podría ser una bruja!" --Editor Cuentitos Mi ofrenda Por Mariana Galvez   Los Angeles, California: Little Libros, LLC, 2022. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "Finalmente ha llegado el momento y Amelia necesita tu ayuda para recoger art̕culos para la ofrenda de su familia. A través del uso de colores, este libro de buscar y encontrar les enseñará a sus pequeños el significado especial que tienen los artículos cotidianos durante el Día de Muertos." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "H" Hola. ¡Adiós! Hermana pegajosa Hansel y Gretel ¡Hola, Capitán! Nuestras Ancestras: Tejiendo Historias En Mi Huipil
Post a Comment
Read more

If You Like ... Super Silly Read Alouds

By Suzanne
If you like super silly read alouds, these playful picture books are for you! Young readers get to laugh, imagine, and become part of the storytelling fun! From upside-down adventures and magical spells to silly surprises and unexpected telephone calls, each book offers something delightfully different. These books are sure to inspire giggles, curiosity, and plenty of conversation. Pandamonium! Written by Annie Bailey Illusrated by Bonnie Wong New York : Feiwel and Freinds, 2026. When the panda family gathers for a reunion, they attempt to take the perfect family photograph. Despite their best efforts to look their finest and sit still, the little pandas become increasingly wiggly and giggly. Fun panda facts at the end add an educational touch to this playful celebration of family togetherness. I Think We're Upside Down! By Marcus Cutler New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2026. Rabbit and Raccoon discover that something is very wrong with their world. When Raccoon’s new basketball ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Books to Read When... You're Feeling Dreamy

By
As the days get shorter and the nights feel darker, my dreams become more vivid. I love waking up remembering little pieces of the adventures my mind had while I slept. Here are some fanciful picture books to take you to dreamland. If the Moon Written by Matthew Burgess Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe Naperville, IL : Stonefruit Studio, an imprint of Sourcebooks, 2026. Picture book. This lyrical bedtime picture book explores possibility and imagination through dreams. A little child transports and transforms between inner worlds (and outer space!) while falling asleep. White pages, variegated blacks, and blurry, cozy colors play together as the liminal spaces between waking and dreaming.  Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup Written by Giovanna Zoboli Illustrated by Mariachiara di Giorgio Translated from Italian by Denise Muir Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture book. Mr. Lepron's homemade vegetable soup is so extraordinary that he ...
Post a Comment
Read more