David McPhail: A Creator's New Venture

BUGLE BOY PRESS, 2023

TRUFFLE: A Dog (and Cat) Story is written and illustrated by the long-successful and often-acclaimed author-illustrator David McPhail. His career has produced some of my own personal favorites, and now he has a very special new picture book scheduled for release in June, 2023. 

I received an advanced (digital) copy to consider writing about, and McPhail's name alone drew my interest. When I read the request further and found that McPhail has ventured into the realm of publishing his own books going forward, I'll admit that my reaction became slightly skeptical. Not about the quality of what might be produced, but about WHY someone of his established success would feel a need to do so. 

But that face on the cover, that irresistible dog, Truffle, insisted that I read on and learn more about his story. I did just that, several times through, with a smile on my face each time. Whatever your favorite type and subject matter in picture books may be, this is one that I feel certain will find a cozy space in your heart, then settle in with staying power. That appears to be what happened to McPhail in his personal relationship with "the real" Truffle, as indicated in the opening pages/dedication for this upcoming book.

Interior: TRUFFLE, A Dog (and Cat) Story. Bugle Boy Press. June, 2023
That dedication, in very small font, says: "To Albert and Popsy and their little dog, the real Truffle"

Although the hundreds of books McPhail has illustrated have revealed his expertise in a variety of styles and media, this highly traditional approach, in color choices, line/shadow effects, and scene-setting, are common to my favorites among his works. Perhaps, too, they are his favorites, since this is what i found about his new self-publishing venture.

McPhail founded this small press, BUGLE BOY PRESS, to publish TRUFFLE as its debut offering, intending to follow with other new books that adhere to his specific mission: a press dedicated to publishing works that are both timeless and enduring. TRUFFLE certainly is all that and more.

 

It's hard not to continually mention the art, because it does such a notable job of placing this little dog into an era of countryside gentry, revealing Truffle's hardworking nature while tending the wealthy farmer's estate. The true nature of a terrier is interpreted through the anthropomorphized series of pages, in which Truffle controls the rats with a stern talking-to, and the badgers are made to stop undermining the crops and instead work cooperatively to release the tractor tires from the holes they had created. Throughout it all, readers observe that this gentlemanly, well-groomed dog was beloved by all in his charmingly pastoral life. Except that Truffle could NOT abide cats. Cats were lazy. It's easy to imagine that such an industrious, meticulous character as Truffle would eventually (repeatedly) revert to his dog nature and howl, chase, and otherwise harass any cat foolish enough to loll about in his presence.

Truffle's life story could easily be told in the remarkable images on each page, but the delightful text that accompanies those illustrations are worthy of praise as well. Text is brief, the font and size resemble books of old but, also invite readers to lean in close. Every detail of art and turn of phrase is worth full attention and  contribute to a delightful story and unforgettable character. Those early pages described above lead quickly to Truffle's well-earned and comfortable retirement in the village, with days spent sipping tea, being groomed, and delivering homemade jam to other animal neighbors. An adventure to the seashore introduces a cat to Truffle in a way that turns the tide of his attitude. No spoilers here, but you will appreciate the plot twist that provides an opportunity for Truffle to actually get to KNOW a particular cat. 

I especially enjoyed how the subtlety of the storytelling and the art enhanced readers' nuanced awareness that even the most comfortable of lives might be improved if only we would open our eyes and hearts to the possibilities that surround us. 

To view a short video clip about this project and to view some of the interior art you can visit the (already successful) KICKSTARTER page at which you might want to support the endeavor with some enjoyable options for your pledges.

Otherwise, it will release in June, 2023, and I sincerely (and most formally!) request that you read it!

A few of his other books that still warm my heart include:

LOST! Written and illustrated by David McPhail (Little Brown BYR, 1993)

This was always a classroom favorite, a story in which a very small boy, on his way to school, encounters a very large, lost bear. It is indeed a classic and was adored by readers of every age.

More recently McPhail created two other heart-tugging, heartwarming picture books, I FEEL SAFE and THE LOST LITTLE BIRD. Each merits your attention, too. I wanted to see if perhaps that tender, gentle, "quiet" style of art and storytelling that I knew and loved about his work had not found its way to publishers. Perhaps that would explain the move to this new venture. 

But these two are releases from major publishing houses in 2021 and 2022, despite the often-heard advice that "quiet books are outdated".

Whatever reason McPhail may have for taking this surprising turn in his approach to children's books, I'm pleased that it is happening in the business arm of the book world and not in his creative/expressive approach. 

Truffle is a powerful indication of the benefits of opening ourselves up to new adventures, risks, and long-held habits. May this new book, and new outreach, allow more readers to find and enjoy  TRUFFLE, A DOG (and CAT) STORY.

 

A Beautiful Picture Book Wondering_ What is Beautiful?

Greystone Kids, 2021

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Of course. That is as it should be. This gorgeous new picture book makes that point clearly in an elegantly quiet and reflective way. HOW BEAUTIFUL is written by Antonella Capetti and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. Check out an intensive interview with the illustrator, including amazing interiors, HERE.

Story first, though, since this kid-friendly and seemingly simple narrative preceded the remarkable and inspired art on the cover and throughout each spread that is worthy of close examination. 

Caterpillar is the star, but begins as a very contented, grace-filled being, one who finds that each leaf and munch is satisfying and fulfilling. Its life is enough. Until... a hand lifts caterpillar on a twig, admires it, and comments, "How beautiful!" before returning it gently to the forest floor.

And thus, a quest is launched, but one with both a gentle and mythic quality, to determine "What is Beautiful?" An antagonist arises, reacting to  each repetition of the question to forest-mates. It's an increasingly annoying blackbird who denies the claims of beauty in their responses. He challenges their choices, calling them useful, or comfortable, or otherwise functional but NOT beautiful. Until blackbird ultimately spies an empty tin can, which is his choice as beautiful. At that point, catepillar has learned enough to sense that blackbird's choice is NOT beautiful. Exhausted from following a seemingly failed quest, caterpillar and the others settle to sleep, turning their eyes to the sky. 

There, in the night sky, beauty reveals itself to them, leaving no room for debate: the full moon shows its face. 

For anyone who has read or heard that "quiet stories" in picture books will not find a market, here is the proof that the RIGHT story works, even if it is a quiet one.

This elegantly simple narrative is written by an Italian author, illustrated by a British artist, and released by a Canadian publisher. The art provides suitably universal scenes and characters for this detailed interpretation, with characters assuming a sort of "modern dance" grace within the scenes. the style evokes a sort of Renaissance intricacy and elegance while shaping each character in a modern interpretation that hints at powerful similarities within their differences. 

This oversized, intricate, and intriguing art uses saturated jewel tones with intentional white insertions. The sturdy matte papers allow the story and art to progress without need for gloss or shimmer. I'm not the only one who has fallen into the undeniable beauty of these scenes. Check out  Kirkus Review, HERE. Observations by others in-the-know about such things offer plenty of buzz that this may well be among finalists and winners of 2021 awards for illustration and perhaps for story. 

I received a copy of this lovely book with no expectation of a reveiw from GREYSTONE KIDS, a publisher of picture books that have  impressed me objectively, and captured my heart as well. If this publisher is new to you, I hope you'll click their name above and take time to consider the titles they've been producing. Along with offering an expanded platform for underrepresented voices, visions, and stories, they also embrace stories that stretch the more familiar structures often expected by picture book readers and buyers. 

Nurturing Faith, Hope, and Strength

I recently read two very special picture books, each of which could be accurately described as "quiet" books.  "Quiet books" reportedly struggle to make it to market, based on the argument that kids prefer rousing, rambunctious, raucous books. I've never agreed with that assumption, and I find it's rarely smart to second guess kids' tastes and preferences.
Nor should it be assumed that "quiet books" are best reserved for bedtime, although both of these books will serve well at night or nap time. 
Each, though, is also a compelling story, encouraging discussions and repeated readings to explore and imagine further details within each scene. Both also provide scaffolds for children to build confidence, to find agency and self-reliance, and to value imagination beyond immediate gratification. Both also expand perceptions related to size, perspective, distance, and connections.  And both are GORGEOUS in color, images, and book design.

Minedition 2019

Let's begin with a close look at THE BLUE PEBBLE, written by Anne-Gaelle Balpe and illustrated by Eve Tharlet. This doesn't overtly "teach" or "preach" to kids but is dense with reflective lessons. A persistent thought hovers over every page and is stated clearly on the back cover: hang on to what is special. Originally published in Europe, this luminous book elevates traditional fairy-stories and  reads like a whisper on the page. The combination of spare text and expressive illustrations invites us to lean in and use all of our senses. With little effort we can hear crickets and chirping birds, smell damp earth, and feel  daisy petals rustling overhead.
The central character, acorn-capped Oli, is a sensitive and observant little fella, clearly a member of the wee-folk world but not quite a fairy or elf or otherwise easily labeled. Oli appreciates the pebble's unusual shade of blue, its "not-quite" shape. As he encounters various woodland animals and elves, he is challenged to cast aside the useless blue pebble and pursue more practical items. 
Oli responds gently and politely. He is not naive, but is undeterred by their arguments, convinced that he should be guided by his inner compass. The very satisfying ending confirms the value of his decisions and offers a thread of a suggestion that he will continue on his centered, mindful travels through the world.
And what a world it is. The robin-egg blue tones are rendered in a dreamlike wash, with misty edges with just enough enough sharp contrast from pragmatic others to elevate the tension without becoming sinister. 

Minedition 2019

WHEN THE MOON CAME DOWN is written and illustrated by Feridun Oral. This quiet book is also a fantasy story, one that feels perfectly suited to bedtime. 
Briefly, when little bunny wakes at night, feeling alone and frightened, he is befriended by a sliver of a waxing moon. During their nightly meetings, moon helps bunny find food, explore the woods,  and experience the security of a deepening friendship. 
Eventually, full moon invites bunny to visit his home in the night sky. Magical moments unfold. Their relationship and special talisman allow little bunny to navigate his days and nights on his own. Here, too, the illustrations are mesmerizing.
As gentle and soothing as this story will be at bedtime, it invites daytime discussions to compare fantasy with reality. It can spark curiosity about  the relative sizes, distances, and shapes of moon and stars, as well as the role of instinct and learning in rabbits, particularly their nocturnal habits. None of that may be what the author/illustrator intended, but that's the magic of beloved picture books- they work their way into the nooks and crannies of hearts AND minds. 
It is also an example of ways in which picture books offer different appeal at different ages. 

A copy of each book was provided by the publisher, Minedition, with a request for a free and honest review.