Publisher's Hardcover ©2019 | -- |
Marshmallow. Juvenile fiction.
Conduct of life. Juvenile fiction.
Dreams. Juvenile fiction.
Marshmallow. Fiction.
Conduct of life. Fiction.
Dreams. Fiction.
Ironically, Watkins (Big Bunny, 2018) sidesteps saccharine sentimentality by casting his newest offering entirely with marshmallows. Simple text st a few words per page ntly walks readers through typical young marshmallows' daily lives. Most of these confectionery stand-ins for human children go to school, watch TV, are forced to eat their veggies, and so on. But, as the recurring "most" foreshadows, some dare to use their imaginations and know that anything is possible. This familiar, empowering message is lifted to new heights by Watkins' extraordinary illustrations, in which he builds scenes from marshmallows, construction paper, cake sprinkles, acorn tops, and more. The result is splendid and smile-inducing. The marshmallows themselves sport pencil detailing, cute accessories, and wide-eyed, youthful expressions. The scenes grow more fantastic and dreamlike as the concept of imagination enters the story, giving way to impressive seas, a circus of high-flying treats, and a fire-breathing dragon. All told, this sweet book will delight and offer young readers a charmingly offbeat reflection of their own experiences.
Horn Book (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)Most marshmallows don't grow on trees / or come from storks / or even Mars.
Kirkus Reviews (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)A confection of marshmallows harbors quixotic dreams of greatness."Most marshmallows don't grow on trees," starts this understated story. With quiet humor, the text informs children that, like them, "Most marshmallows are mostly born to one sweet parent or two," and that "They go to school most mornings / and learn to be squishy and how to stand in rows." Most marshmallows seem to navigate with equanimity the realities and dramas of domestic life, like a bursting backpack or a dinner tantrum. "But some marshmallows somehow secretly know / that all marshmallows / can do anything / or be anything / they dare to imagine." The inventive, sly, mixed-media illustrations provide wit and delight only hinted at by the spare, idiosyncratic prose. A mixture of paper collage, photographs of objects (like a cardboard dinner table loaded with plastic carrots), and hilariously expressive line drawings on real marshmallows pack beauty, tension, and drama into each page. An unnecessary throughline involving dragons slightly mars the overall feel of the story, especially the jarring ending in which a marshmallow knight breathes fire at one; the humor and kid appeal work perfectly without that bit of pandering.An amusing, subdued story with exemplary illustrations, this sweet flight of fancy will find a young audience eager to devour it. (Picture book. 3-7)
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)Marshmallows, with their uniform appearance and soft outlines, make fine stand-ins for average citizens. Watkins (
PreS-Gr 1 This book forgoes a narrative arc in favor of celebrating the lives of children with simple and familiar sentiments. "They celebrate birthdays. They watch TV. They go to school most mornings." The twist is that marshmallows stand in for the children. This is mostly conveyed through detailed found-object tableaus and occasionally in the text. "Most marshmallows don't grow on trees or come from storks or even Mars. Most marshmallows are mostly born to one sweet parent or two." Each phrase is illustrated with a photographed intricate collage of marshmallows placed in scenes and interacting with found and created objects that reinforce the text. The scenes consist of marshmallows, construction paper, cake sprinkles, cardboard, acorn tops, twist ties, pencil, and "whatever else was needed." There's lots to talk about and look for in the images. While adults will respond better than children to the message ("But some marshmallows somehow secretly know that all marshmallows can do anything or be anything they dare to imagine."), everyone will enjoy the sweet images. VERDICT An engaging, quirky read-aloud perfect to share with crafts and maker programs. Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK
ALA Booklist (Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2019)
Horn Book (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Kirkus Reviews (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
School Library Journal (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Most marshmallows are born into marshmallow families, play with marshmallow friends, and go to marshmallow school where they learn to be squishy. Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams.
But, this book isn't about most marshamallows, is it? No. That's because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary. Whether for a new parent or a recent graduate, the message here will fit the bill.
Another slightly off kilter book from rising picture book-maker Rowboat Watkins. The art (and subversive humor) has nods to Maurice Sendak (with whom Watkins studied), but is unlike anything else out there.
If you and your child are a fan of Rude Cakes, Pete With No Pants, and The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, you will love this book.
This book is ideal for:
• Read Aloud Book for preschoolers
• Early Reading book for toddlers
• Parents & Grandparents
• Recent high school and college graduate gifts
• Anyone looking for an empowering story