TWO DOGS: Ian Falconer's Mastery of HUMOR

 Here's a quick weekend post about a picture book with something we all need more of- HUMOR! 

Michael DiCapua Books/HARPER COLLINS
2022

TWO DOGS, created by author/Illustrator Ian Falconer, will leave you smiling and recommending it to others. That's no surprise, since Caldecott winner Falconer is acclaimed for his talent as a visual storyteller/illustrator. In this case such praise proves itself merited, and not just because of the of the appeal of these two dachshund-brother characters, surprisingly upright and outrageous. He has captured their personalities with semi-realistic situations, poses, and personalities accompanied by minimal but clever text.

This seemingly simple work, an account of a day's adventure and its consequences, is a treasury of mentor content on ways to express and convey humor. The juxtaposition of what is expected versus simple surprises begins on that cover and is an effective device throughout. The tug/hug contrast of emotions among siblings adds another rich layer, as are curiosity, teamwork success and foibles, and more. 

Wouldn't everyone love to get a laugh, to tell or write humor in memorable ways? Check out this little masterpiece! And to learn more about dachsunds, click to see more, including their characteristic description: curious, friendly, spunky. Exactly like these TWO DOGS.