If I was on Facebook, I’d start a page for people who like Max Spaniel. Since I’m not, I’ll announce my love for David Catrow’s spaniel here. I knew David Catrow’s work before he created his new canine hero. The Inly Library has many of the picture books he’s illustrated, and I love Wet Dog by Elise Broach. But when I “met” Max in his first book Dinosaur Hunt, I thought it was some of Catrow’s best work. Now with the publication of Funny Lunch, Max’s second adventure, I’m even more of a fan. Every time I look at Max’s expressive eyes, I laugh. And his adventures are perfect for new readers. So many young children want funny stories and Max is really funny. When I realized Catrow lives in Springfield, Ohio, it all became clear. As I’ve written about before, I grew up in Dayton, Ohio – not too far from Springfield. I think it must be a certain Ohio sensibility that draws me to Max. Whatever it is, I’m sold. It may even convince me to join Facebook just so I can start a fan page.
We are in the middle of our school’s book fair so in between the busy times, I spend lots of time looking at picture books and easy readers. As everyone knows, it’s a mixed bag. There are some wonderful clever stories and some derivative Hallmark card-like books. I decided to select two early chapter/easy reader books that are well-done and entertaining. I had a limited selection—just what was in the book fair. I wanted clever text and good illustrations. More than good actually—illustrations that made me smile and complemented the text.
