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.