Book
Owl and the pussycat
Record details
- ISBN: 0062050109 :
- ISBN: 9780062050106 :
-
Physical Description:
1 v. (unpaged) : col. ill. ; 25 cm.
print - Edition: 1st ed.
- Publisher: [New York, NY] : HarperCollins, c1998.
Content descriptions
| General Note: | "Michael di Capua books." |
| Target Audience Note: | Preschool Baker & Taylor |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Nonsense verses Animals -- Poetry Children's poetry |
Available copies
- 2 of 2 copies available at BC Interlibrary Connect. (Show)
- 1 of 1 copy available at Prince Rupert Library.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 2 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Holdable? | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Rupert Library | JP LEAR (Text) | 33294001040104 | Juvenile Picture Books | Volume hold | Available | - |
- Booklist Reviews : Booklist Monthly Selections - #1 February 1999
Ages 4^-6. The publication of Marshall's version of Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat six years after Marshall's death will give great pleasure to his many fans. In a fulsome afterword, Maurice Sendak recalls lunching with Marshall, who was somewhat reluctant to have the book published as it stood, since "he wouldn't live to `finish' this book, in the sense of redoing all the pictures . . . perfecting them." Although Sendak concludes that the pictures were already perfect, they do seem sketchier than the finished art in most Marshall books. Still, even "imperfect" Marshall illustrations for this poem are worth a dozen perfectly executed visions by lesser artists. Fresh and funny, the artwork has its own inimitable charm. Marshall's droll humor so completely matches Edward Lear's wit that librarians will want this edition even if they have others on the shelves. Great fun for the preschool story-time crowd. ((Reviewed February 1, 1999)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews - Horn Book Magazine Reviews : Horn Book Magazine Reviews 1999 #2
Lear's pea-green boat sails again, this time with the inimitable James Marshall at the helm. Envisioned as the S.S. Dorabella, this cruise ship will escort the Owl and his fianc e, the profoundly clothes-conscious Pussycat, from Pier 23, laden with suitcases marked for ports of call around the world. On calm seas, tuxedoed Owl serenades the flapper-inspired Pussycat seated in her deck chair; in rougher waters, Owl braves the weather to photograph his windblown beloved. Owl and Pussycat join the legion of goofy original Marshall creations: in their grass skirts and leis, the exaggerated portly twosome (he with his signature wide-owl eyes; she with coy looks and rouge-dotted cheeks) highstep it by the light of the moon. At his wacky best, watercolorist Marshall limns a huge priestly turkey, all seriousness with his pince-nez glasses and preposterous wattle; outfitted with a regal purple headdress and matching scarf, the extravagant turkey marries the dapper couple. Lear's famous poem, here calligraphed in white and black crayon, receives an irreverent, gently playful rendition. In a deeply personal afterword, dear friend Maurice Sendak pays homage to Marshall, who shared with him the "sketches" that became Marshall's final largess to his devoted following. Sendak is exactly right when he pronounces that, with this last book, Marshall's "charming slap-happiness [is] now wed to an odd poignancy that conjure[s] a sweet new essence." s.p.b. Copyright 1999 Horn Book Magazine Reviews - Publishers Weekly Reviews : PW Reviews 1998 September #3
If there is a slightly sketchy, unfinished quality to Marshall's exuberant watercolors in this enchanting interpretation of the classic poem, it's because the gifted artist never lived to complete them. In true Marshall fashion, the artist lifts Lear's quirky duo to new heights, retaining the characters' eccentricities while endowing their relationship with human dynamics. In a preview to the book's title page, dapper Owl appearsAwith the look of one long accustomed to such scenariosAin jacket, tie, vest and spats showing a still-primping Pussycat his pocketwatch. He then dons a bowler and Pussycat sports a wide-brimmed chapeau as the two, chauffeured by a diminutive dog, depart in a roadster pulling a wagon stacked with no fewer than 19 valises and hat boxes. Marshall's inventive take on the "beautiful pea-green boat" is the S.S. Dorabella, an appropriately hued cruise ship that puts the QE II to shame. Despite the other implied guests aboard, Marshall retains an intimate focus on the romantic couple. A tux-clad Owl serenades his "lovely Pussy" on deck as his beloved reclines in a lounge chair, and they come ashore alone together in "the land where the bong tree grows." Marshall's supporting cast is as nattily and humorously turned out as these principals (e.g., the portly Piggywig, who supplies the wedding ring, is resplendent in grass skirt and a colorful lei). Maurice Sendak, as friend and colleague, pays eloquent tribute to Marshall's talent in an afterword. It would be difficult for readers to imagine a better couple to set sail with than Marshall's Owl and Pussycat. All ages. (Oct.) - School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 1998 December
PreS-Gr 4-The Owl and the Pussycat has been illustrated by artists such as L. Leslie Brooke, Barbara Cooney, Michael Hague, Tomi Ungerer, Jan Brett, and Janet Stevens. None of the previous versions achieves such a perfect match to the lighthearted nonsense as Marshall's captivating, droll artwork. The hand-lettered cursive text adds immensely to the design. The double-page spreads offer watercolor illustrations in an amazing variety of warm and cool colors with a clarity that makes them visible at a distance for group reading; all of the pictures expand the humor of the story. In early 20th-century style, a jowly, self-important owl takes charge of a fussily dressed and suitcase-laden pussycat as they speed away in their chauffeur-driven roadster to a pea-green ocean liner. Dressed to the nines throughout the voyage and even when arriving in "the land where the bong tree grows," they are married by a turkey remarkably outfitted in full ecclesiastical garb. They loosen up a little during their wedding feast and finally succumb to the lunacy of the light of the moon, dancing on the beach in hula skirts to the accompaniment of a three-piece dog and chicken combo floating offshore. This nonsense verse has set the standard for the genre and has delighted generations. Marshall's talent has improved upon perfection. A moving tribute to the artist in an afterword by Maurice Sendak adds poignancy to this important book.-Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL Copyright 1998 School Library Journal
