Author/Illustrator: Mark Alan Stamaty
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 1973
Age: 4+
Themes: obsession, donuts, love
Opening: Sam lived with his family in a nice house. He had a big yard and lots of friends.
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Young Sam leaves home to satisfy his craving for donuts, finds a job with a donut collector, and discovers the answer to the question “Who needs donuts when you got love?”
I like this book because: It’s a classic gem of a quirky picture book, and apparently loved by many, as it was the search for copies that lead the publisher to renew true copyright and reprint the book nearly 30 years later. A book for a road trip, for sure, as there is so much to discover on every inch of every page! Crazy-silly story that against all odds is completely satisfying! Do look for it!
Resources/Activities: (assign small groups to) count the numbers of animals, cars, people, donuts, shoes, any technicals impossibilities, etc.; draw your own city scenes with made up street signs; take this with you on a road trip
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE
I had never seen this book – looks great. Chewy.
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There are many holes in it!
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Mm, I need donuts AND kombucha! This style reminds me a little of Steve Light… I love these sort of detailed drawings.
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I wonder if Steve knows his work. I did not!
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I’ve not seen this one before, either. Gonna see if my library has it or can get it with an interlibrary loan.
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I think that’s how I got this copy too!
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Those illustrations are AMAZING! This book reminds me of a picture book my grandmother sent to me from Germany when I was “much” younger. I could get lost in the details. Each time I looked at the book I found more and more hidden treasures. I hope I can find this gem that you reviewed.
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Good luck!
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Thank you for introducing me to this amazing book. The illustrations are a treasure trove of details that kids and adults will enjoy studying. I love that the artwork is in black and white. Reminds me a bit of Highlights in the early days. It must be special if Knopf has reprinted the book.
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Yes, it does feel like an old Highlights!
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Very interesting book, Julie! Another one that has got me going to library. 🙂
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Like you needed an excuse – ha!
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I met an author/illustrator at the Golden Gate Conference a few years ago who was creating a book like this. I don’t remember his name, now. These illustrations are awesome! The two copies at the SFPL are both in use, and their pub date is 2001. Will check one out. Thanks!
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Yes, that’s when they reprinted – sorry, should have included that!
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I’m loving the illustrations! The black and white is cool, too. Great find!
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And yet b/w books seem to be a hard sell. So glad they decided to revive this one!
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