Though the film contains many innocuous minor differences from the book, the basics remain the same. All protagonist Pat wants is to be reunited with his estranged wife, Nikki. Upon release from a mental health facility, Pat spends his time obsessively exercising, reading literary classics, and generally trying to better himself to win Nikki back, but his easily triggered outbursts, aggressive behavior, and violent tendencies complicate things. Family devotion to the Philadelphia Eagles, a dance contest with a charming, yet unstable widow named Tiffany, and the occasional therapy session challenge Pat at every turn. Clinging to the notion that every cloud has a silver lining, Pat attempts to will himself healthy and happy, despite the many obstacles he faces.

In the novel, Pat’s psychological struggles ring true because of his first-person narrative attempts to explain himself, particularly during his mood swings, as though he doesn’t trust the reader to understand him (which seems a legitimate fear for anyone suffering from mental illness). Pat tries to convince readers of his good intentions, but often Quick allows him to take his behavior a step too far, revealing something problematic about Pat’s perspective and reminding readers that his narration, while compelling, isn’t totally reliable. Readers will believe in Pat’s earnestness and root for his happy-movie ending — even as, with tongue firmly in cheek, Quick interrogates and ultimately rejects the notions that a) mental health issues can be addressed with a simple attitude adjustment, and b) life is anything like the movies.

Unfortunately, the film — an enjoyable dramedy featuring fierce performances — boils down the complexities of Pat, other characters, and their relationships. Pat remains likeable, but in translation from print to film, the glimpse into his internal view of his own mental illness is lost. Similarly, his parents are reduced to a coddling mother and a superstitious sports-fan father, both nutty in their own ways. Instead of the novel’s poignant examination of the intricacies of love, grief, and mental illness, we’re left with the tidy conclusion that we’re all a little crazy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be happy — exactly the kind of Hollywood ending I believe Quick is skeptical of.

The post The Silver Linings Play…book vs. movie appeared first on The Horn Book.

For archival Horn Book Magazine reviews of selected titles by Bernard Waber, click here.

The post Bernard Waber (1921-2013) appeared first on The Horn Book.

Bernard Waber, Author-Illustrator  Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile  g
48 pp.  Houghton  $3.25
Library edition  $3.07
The benign and amiable crocodile who lives a life of incongruous contentment in the Primms’ Victorian home becomes the center of controversy when he frightens a neighbor’s cat. Poor Lyle is taken downtown where his day’s activities — frolicking in the park, skating at Rockefeller Center, browsing in antique shops, and finally creating a commotion in a department store — make hilarious picture-book sequence but fail to help him out of his difficulties. Only Lyle’s great heroism in a middle-of-the-night fire establishes him as a desirable citizen and restores neighborhood harmony. In design and format, similar to House on East 88th Street. E.L.H.
reviewed in the October 1965 issue of The Horn Book Magazine

Bernard Waber, Author-Illustrator  A Firefly Named Torchy  g
40 pp.  Houghton  $4.95
Library edition  $4.23
A rich explosion of color in impressionistic spreads — a new style for the author-illustrator. Torchy is a young firefly who has followed his mother’s advice: “‘Eat your dinner…and some day you will grow up as big and as bright as your father.’” Other mothers want to know what he has eaten, for Torchy astonishes everyone with his bright light. However, his brightness offends the night-sleeping creatures who want only a soft twinkling. “‘TURN OFF THAT LIGHT,’” everyone shouts. Torchy sighs and tries to twinkle softly, but it takes more than wishing. The brilliant nonsense is cleverly shown in scenes which switch from darkness to a white daytime kind of illumination.  The fine, funny answer to the problem unfolds with a fantastic and unexpected display of lights. V.H.
reviewed in the October 1970 issue of The Horn Book Magazine

Bernard Waber, Author-Illustrator  Ira Says Goodbye  g
40 pp.  Houghton  1988  ISBN 0-395-48315-8  $13.95
In the sixteen years since we first met Ira in Ira Sleeps Over (Houghton), he has assumed near-legend status. An older, taller Ira is featured in this book, reminiscing about his friendship with Reggie and their shared adventures after being told of Reggie’s impending move. The bearer of bad news is, of course, of course, Ira’s still nasty, know-it-all sister. At first the boys commiserate together about their parting, but when Reggie starts to be eager to experience the joys of the new town, Ira is hurt. In a true-to-life ending, communication resumes, turtles and coveted baseball cards are traded as peace offerings, and Ira looks forward to spending the weekend with Reggie. “‘But you’re not leaving until Saturday,’ said my mother. ‘You have two whole days to pack.’ ‘I don’t want to be late,’ I said.” The author uses an understated style that’s perfect for suggesting the grief of parting with a best friend, without putting a burden on the story. The illustrations are in full color and add humor and warmth to the book. Ira’s young fans will be glad he’s back. E.S.W.
reviewed in the November/December 1988 issue of The Horn Book Magazine

Bernard Waber Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party; illus. by the author
40 pp. Lorraine/Houghton 10/97 ISBN 0-39S-86450-X 15.00 g
(Preschool, Younger)
On a cold winter night when the wind is howling and Bearsie Bear is just warmly tucked in and falling asleep, there comes a knock at the door. It is Moosie Moose wanting to sleep over. Just this once, says Bearsie Bear, and they retire to their cozy slumber. But subsequent knocks reveal Cowsie Cow, Piggie Pig, Foxie Fox, and Goosie Goose, all bent on the same errand. Kindly Bearsie Bear adds them one by one to the now crowded bed. But when Porkie Porcupine arrives, all the other guests depart in a prickly hurry, and Bearsie Bear exiles Porkie to under the bed. But finally all are reconciled, with Porkie Porcupine in bed with the others — “and he was very careful not to thrash about.” A splendid readaloud, extremely repetitive (“‘It’s me, Piggie Pig,’ said Piggie Pig. ‘Piggie Pig?’ said Cowsie Cow. ‘Piggie Pig?’ said Moosie Moose. ‘Piggie Pig?’said Bearsie Bear. ‘Yes, Piggie Pig,’ said Piggie Pig”) and very funny, too: the reader-aloud will undoubtedly be joined by a chorus of listeners happily helping the story along its cumulative way. The line-and-watercolor illustrations are funny and homey, with a generous use of white space that gives the story plenty of room. A.A.F.
reviewed in the September/October 1997 issue of The Horn Book Magazine

The post Reviews of select Bernard Waber titles appeared first on The Horn Book.

The post Jon Klassen on misremembering: has this ever happened to you? appeared first on The Horn Book.

Kelsey Green, Reading Queen [Franklin School Friends]

The post Review of Kelsey Green, Reading Queen appeared first on The Horn Book.

Yarn bomb bench at the Arnold Arboretum.

And here’s a view of the city of Boston from Peters Hill. Pretty, no?

A few of Boston from Peters Hill in the Arnold Arboretum.

While you’re in a summery mood, check out our Summer Reading List.

The post Yarn bomb! appeared first on The Horn Book.

—Katrina Hedeen
Assistant Editor, The Horn Book Guide

Bar-el, Dan  That One Spooky Night
80 pp. Kids Can 2012 ISBN 978-1-55453-751-8
PE ISBN 978-1-55453-752-5
Gr. 1–3  Illustrated by David Huyck. Three unconnected comic-style vignettes feature ordinary children who encounter a witch, sea monsters in the bathtub, and a family of vampires on Halloween night. The spreads use words sparingly, allowing the muted but whimsical art to tell much of the story. More silly than spooky, this graphic novel will suit readers who would rather giggle than give themselves goosebumps.

Eaton, Maxwell III  The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan
96 pp. Knopf 2012 LE ISBN 978-0-375-96447-3
PE ISBN 978-0-375-86447-6

Eaton, Maxwell III  The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fish Business
96 pp. Knopf 2012 LE ISBN 978-0-375-96448-0
PE ISBN 978-0-375-86448-3
Gr. 1–3  Beaver brothers Ace and Bub live on Beaver Island, and in these first adventures they step up to save their home from evil resort-building penguins and a mackerel-run 
factory producing Fish Stix (toys). Humor and wordplay in the speech-bubble text will charm young graphic novel–lovers; comics-style illustrations — with spare lines, digital coloring, and lots of energy — maintain the action.

Fearing, Mark  Earthling!
248 pp. Chronicle 2012 ISBN 978-1-8118-7106-8
PE ISBN 978-1-4521-0906-0
Gr. 4–6  In this sci-fi graphic novel, Bud gets on the wrong bus and ends up at Cosmos Academy, an intergalactic school whose students fear Earthlings. With the help of new friend Gort, Bud devises a plan to return home before the aliens figure out who he is. Action and humor (especially in the characters’ facial expressions) are successfully captured in bright cartoon panels.

Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm  Babymouse for President
91 pp. Random 2012 LE ISBN 978-0-375-96780-1
PE ISBN 978-0-375-86780-4
Gr. 1–3  Babymouse isn’t the only one running for student council president — her opponents include enemy Felicia and her own cantankerous locker (who comes out ahead in the preliminary polls). Fans will enjoy this election year entry, as Babymouse daydreams (living in The Pink House, signing a bill for a no-fractions law) and learns hard lessons (sometimes the wrong candidate wins).

Nytra, David  The Secret of the Stone Frog
80 pp. Candlewick/TOON 2012 ISBN 978-1-935179-18-4
Gr. 4–6  Toon Book series. In this graphic novel reminiscent of Victorian fantasy and classic fairy tales, Leah and younger brother Alan (who are about to move into separate bedrooms) awake to find themselves in a fanciful, sometimes scary world. The text’s surreal imagery paired with detailed pen-and-ink drawings depicting Wonderland-like people and creatures suit this story about the disorienting anxieties of growing up.

Rodríguez, Pedro  Chilling Tales of Horror: Dark Graphic Short Stories
96 pp. Enslow 2012 LE ISBN 978-0-7660-4085-4
Gr. 4–6  Durable, chilling, and in graphic novel–format — what more could librarians want out of a horror series? Purists should be warned that significant liberties are taken with the seven tales (which include “The Hand” by Guy de Maupassant and Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Body Snatcher”) to make them quick, accessible reads. The detailed illustrations help convey the original emotional impact. Reading list, websites.

Vernon, Ursula  Dragonbreath: Revenge of the Horned Bunnies
197 pp. Dial 2012 ISBN 978-0-8037-3677-1

Vernon, Ursula  Dragonbreath: When Fairies Go Bad
202 pp. Dial 2012 ISBN 978-0-8037-3678-8
Gr. 4–6  Danny Dragonbreath heads to Camp Jackalope, and when the namesake creatures are being kidnapped, it’s Danny and crew to the rescue. Next up, Danny’s mom is snatched by totally not-sweet fairies, so Danny, iguana Wendell, and lizard Christiana board a bus to the Faerie realm. These sixth and seventh installments deliver the cartoon panels and wacky fare series fans will expect.

From the May/June 2013 issue of The Horn Book Magazine. These reviews are from The Horn Book Guide and The Horn Book Guide Online. For information about subscribing to the Guide and the Guide Online, click here.

The post From the Guide: Graphic Novels for Children appeared first on The Horn Book.

Katie Bircher and Elissa Gershowitz bring you our annual list of summer reading recommendations for kids. Strictly recreational, of course, and librarians are welcome to place a “COMMON-CORE FREE!” sticker on the PDF.

What about your own reading? I’m juggling audio editions of The Woman Upstairs and Inferno on my phone; The Oracle Glass and A Savage War of Peace on my Kindle, and Lonely Planet’s guide to Morocco on my bedside. We shall see which ones I finish. Claire Messud (The Woman Upstairs) is my current hero simply by virtue of the little digs she gets in at Burdick’s, a fashionable Cambridge dessert place whose legendary hot chocolate goes down like a big ol’ cup of infected mucus (my observation, not Messud’s).

The post What’s on YOUR list? appeared first on The Horn Book.

A doctor’s visit, a bit of medicine, some serious nurturing, and several cans of soup later, Zub perks up, and the two friends can finally have real adventures together, playing Rock Hero, finding pirate treasure, and telling ghost stories.

Even Monsters Get Sick (2012), the first installment of the Even Monsters series of story-game apps from Busy Bee Studios, is simple and sweet. There’s a genuine tenderness to the way Harry cares for his sick friend — particularly when reading him bedtime stories. Zub’s gradual transformation from lethargic phlegm-monster to breakdancing best friend is humorous, and the narrative subtly assuages possible fears of visiting the doctor.

Each page offers a variety of touchscreen interactions in the form of basic mazes, counting and memory games, hidden animations, and sound effects. (Zub’s groans are a cross between a Wookie’s and what I imagine a stegosaurus would have sounded like.) Perhaps my favorite game is helping Zub recover by launching cans of soup directly into his mouth.

By clicking on the open book icon in the top right corner, users can choose a specific page to revisit, promoting independent exploration. With both “read to me” and “I can read” features, this app is well suited as a bridge book for emerging readers. Available for iPad (requires iOs 3.2 or later); $2.99.

The post Even Monsters Get Sick app review appeared first on The Horn Book.

In her adult graphic-novel memoir Relish: My Life in the Kitchen (First Second, April 2013), Lucy Knisley portrays specific periods of her life and their associated “taste-memories” in a series of witty, touching vignettes.

Relish begins with Lucy’s early childhood in New York City, growing up in a family of foodies with great faith in “the trinity of cooking, dining out, and eating.” She details her brief “farm kid” life when her parents divorced and she moved to upstate New York with her mother. (Of that time Lucy writes, “I think it changed my relationship to the world, to my body and food, to see that what I ate didn’t originate on the shelves of a store.”) As an impoverished art student in Chicago, she worked as a cheesemonger and occasional food critic because she could not otherwise afford the “fancy food” she loved. As in her first book, French Milk, a food travelogue about her six-week stay in Paris, eating while traveling is a major theme. Being a baker myself, one of my favorite chapters tells of Lucy’s obsessive attempts to recreate the addictive apricot croissants she discovered in Venice. Each section closes with an illustrated recipe.

I recently attended Lucy’s book event at my beloved local indie bookstore Brookline Booksmith. She talked about the inspirations for Relish, her previous food-related comics, and her creative process, then answered questions from the audience on current work (an Oscar Wilde biography; another memoir with First Second about her art education), her dream projects (children’s books!), and her least favorite foods (anything bland and mushy). When signing, she generously drew each reader’s favorite food in their copy of Relish. Then I got to sit down with her and ask a few questions of my own!

What’s been your favorite new food experience on your book tour?

When I’m doing signings, so many people come up and give me food recommendations. I’m getting local people who really know what’s new and what’s amazing locally. One of the best food recommendations I had was the Ferry Building Market – I love food markets. I was there [practically] every day that I was in San Francisco. And that was awesome not just because Cowgirl Creamery — which I love, and when I used to sell cheese it was one of my favorite dairies — had a storefront there, but I ran into my old babysitter who manages a bakery there. Food brings everyone together!

Also in San Francisco, I went up to a food truck to order a sandwich and the girl said, “Are you Lucy?” She had been reading my book and had it with her in the food truck. I signed it through the window, and then she sold me an incredible crispy meatloaf slider. That was a really big deal for me.

Does writing about food ever make you hungry?

All the time.

If you were going to host a dinner party and you could invite anyone, living or dead, who would you invite?

Oscar Wilde. Not just because I’m totally fascinated with him as a historical figure but also because he ate crazy, amazing things when he was alive. He had this incredible, decadent palate — gold-leafed quail eggs and stuff. So I would really want to go to a dinner party at his house. He used to have salon dinners at his house and [would] just hold court with witticisms as his guests ate.

What would be on the menu — besides the gold quail eggs?

He also smoked gold-tipped cigarettes! He loved foie gras, which I love as well, so we could bond over that. I’m sure he had lots of gross Irish food tastes, like meat pies. And he drank like a fish, so there would be excellent cocktails, probably involving absinthe. It would be a meal in decadence. I would have gout immediately.

In Relish you talk about how you have a place in your heart for both junk food and fancy food. It reminded me of my own reading habits. I was wondering if your reading is anything like your culinary habits.

They’re very much alike. I’m an equal opportunity foodie and reader as well. Well, I should say that I’m more of a junk-food reader. I really love dystopian young adult fiction. I’m so glad that more and more adults are coming out as big fans. Things like The Hunger Games and Twilight have made liking dystopian young adult fiction more of an acceptable thing [for adults]. It’s my favorite genre.

Do you watch cooking shows?

I don’t watch cooking shows. Most of the TV-watching that I do takes place while I’m inking, so I can’t look at the show, I have to listen to it. For a lot of those competition shows, so much of it is visual, so I can’t keep up with what’s happening.

But I am interested in what reality shows have done to food in America, the way that people see food as more of an entertainment thing now. People can [consider themselves] “foodies” and never cook, and not dine out very often. It’s getting a lot more people knowledgeable about food and interested in traveling and trying new things. But I’m totally freaked out by those shows like Man vs. Food: “I’m going to eat the biggest, craziest, spiciest thing on earth.” That doesn’t sound fun or delicious. That just sounds uncomfortable!

I love movies that involve food. I loved The Trip. You can’t draw in the movie theater, so I get to pay attention to the visuals more. Toast, a book that I really loved, was made into a really weird movie a couple years ago that I loved anyway. And Chocolat is an old favorite of mine. Also Julie & Julia.

Did you ever perfect the apricot croissant recipe?

I never did. But I have gotten a lot of tips, especially on this book tour. Apparently Trader Joe’s has frozen croissants that you put in the oven. I haven’t tried them yet but that might be a good way to cheat.

Boston’s The Metro daily newspaper also published an interview with Lucy this week.

The post A whole bunch of questions for Lucy Knisley appeared first on The Horn Book.