Commentaire descriptif

Exuberant artwork and high calibre pop-up production superbly portray the surprise and joy of making something wonderful from accidents and mistakes. Robust and direct, the language leads young readers through a series of disappointing, yet familiar accidents: “Every spill,” “A smudge and a smear,” “A stain.” But, suggests the book, these are all opportunities to create something unintended, unexpected and beautifully new. Vivid illustrations, slowly revealed through unique pop-ups, masterfully prove the story’s claim. When a page of the book is badly torn, readers turn it over to find it serves as the long, jagged mouth of a crocodile-creature. This, as the book says, “is just the beginning!” Pull back, flip over, extend out, peer through, touch and see—so many actions to enjoy while exploring this exciting book. Painterly and collage techniques are defined by a range of effects such as pencil, marker and scratches in wet paint. Even the text is created with illustrative techniques. The book’s optimistic message is reassuring for young readers coping with schoolwork and, possibly, their own high standards. The underlying message—the value of seeing problems from a fresh angle—offers impact for readers of all ages.