Zagazoo

Zagazoo

Quentin Blake 1998

Quentin Blake's messy, wild illustrations are brilliant in this story about a couple who get an unexpected parcel.  Inside is a "little pink creature as pretty as could be" who gradually changes into some unexpected things with some hilarious results.  The very end is particularly delightful and after reading it to Charlotte (yes, she's 16 and we still read picture books together!) I went to read it to my husband (giving him a quaint reprieve from work.). Then when Madeleine came over I had her read it too!  She was particularly ticked with the ending.   This is one that would be a great gift to new parents.

Clown

 Clown

Quentin Blake 1995

I know some people are freaked out by clowns, but this wordless story by Quentin Blake is so sweet even if the pictures are kind of crazy.

A clown doll gets thrown out with a bunch of other stuffed animals.  He finds a pair of sneakers to wear and sets off on his own.  Several times he meets children and tries to tell them about the trash can filled with his toy friends.  He gets thrown from a window and chased by a dog but he doesn't lose hope.  Finally he meets a girl and her baby brother who need and want him just as much as he does them.  He helps them clean up and prepare for their poor overworked mother and they rescue the other stuffed animals.  Blake's "messy" drawings sure do show a lot of emotion.