7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #446: Featuring Marc Boutavant
August 23rd, 2015 by jules
‘It would be too bad if you didn’t tell me, squirrel. It would be insulting.'”
— From The Day No ONe Was Angry
Want to join me this morning, dear Imps, in looking at some artwork from French illustrator Marc Boutavant? I’m looking at two new books, in particular, here — Astrid Desbordes’ Edmond, The Moonlit Party, which was originally published in France two years ago but came to American shelves in June, thanks to Enchanted Lion Books, as well as Toon Tellegen’s The Day No One Was Angry. I believe Toon’s stories originally published in 2002, and this is the First American Edition from Gecko Press (March 2015).
Edmond, the Moonlit Party, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick, is the enchanting story of a squirrel who lives in a tree also populated by an owl and a bear (his neighbors, that is). Edmond is shy, so he spends time alone, making nut jam and being “an amazing pompom maker.” He makes things like pompom hats in “no more than a day or two.” It’s very fun to spot his pompom creations, and the character himself is quirky and funny in such a way that is never too precious or cloying. His neighbor, the owl, likes to dress in disguises and eventually invites him to the party bear throws — and Edmond comes out of his shell. The story is laugh-out-loud funny in spots, and Boutavant’s illustrations are a perfect fit here, Leonard Marcus describing them in the New York Times as “a stylish retro-Pop brew with winsome notes of Takashi Murakami and Richard Scarry.” Yes. That.
The Day No One Was Angry is quite unlike any other story collection you’ll read this year — and different from the way many American books would handle such a thing. Here, Tellegen explores anger in 12 stories featuring a variety of creatures. The stories are funny and bizarre and thought-provoking — sometimes all three at once. Think: An elephant who argues with himself for having climbed a tree (and fallen, as he suspected he might). Or think: A lobster who sells anger door-to-door from his suitcase. (“I’m the lobster. Can I interest you in some anger?”) It’s an intriguing collection of stories and worlds apart from your typical story set.
Here’s a bit of art from each book so that you can see for yourself. …
[Pictured above left is a spot illustration from “The Hedgehog” from Tellegen’s The Day No One Was Angry.]
when I danced with the cricket. …”
but I have to tell you: I don’t like this cake. …'”
THE DAY NO ONE WAS ANGRY. First American edition published in 2015 by Gecko Press, and all illustrations here used by their permission.
EDMOND, THE MOONLIT PARTY. First published in 2015 by Enchanted Lion Books, and all illustrations here used by their permission.
Note for any new readers: 7-Imp’s 7 Kicks is a weekly meeting ground for taking some time to reflect on Seven(ish) Exceptionally Fabulous, Beautiful, Interesting, Hilarious, or Otherwise Positive Noteworthy Things from the past week, whether book-related or not, that happened to you. New kickers are always welcome.
1) Well, this is so wonderful for obvious reasons.
2) I didn’t think it could be possible to like Lily Tomlin even more than I already did, but then I listened to her Fresh Air interview.
3) I’m driving a bit more these days, and I’m getting caught up on podcasts, both long-time favorites and brand-new delights. I’m sorry to the environment, but my ears and brain are happy.
4) My girls and I are reading this below, and it is very funny. We are racing through it, because we can’t put it down.
5) Invitations.
6) My middle-schooler continues to like her new school — and especially that the library opened this week.
7) Re-discovering old CDs and songs, such as Crowded House’s “Nails in My Feet.” Those guys and their lyrics. So good.
What are YOUR kicks this week?
Owls, foxes, moons, and no anger? What’s not to love? Thank you Marc Boutavant.
Jules, glad oldest likes school. Hope the library is awesome.
My kicks:
1. Oldest grandgirl here for the weekend.
2. Lots of time in the pool.
3. Saturday Farmers’ Market.
4. Unfortunately due to the massive fires and wind, lots of smoke so we went to the movies.
5. Saw Pixels, not on my must see lists but it made me scream and laugh and grandgirl too.
6. Peaches.
7. Friends.
Have a great week.
Fly by posting! Good morning, imps and woodland creatures!
Jules: Glad that middle school adjustment has been smooth. Yay, Lily Tomlin!
Jone: Enjoy the visits. Hope the fires are contained.
My kicks:
1) Performances
2) Kindness
3) Support
4) Wisdom
5) Credit
6) Worthwhile
7) All right
Hello Imps!
Oh these books look so much fun, with characters I want to meet! An owl obsessed with costumes and Edmond’s pom pom hat, and that little hedgehog under the flower – these books are now on my must-buy list.
Jules – that study is so wonderful. And the book you are reading with your girls looks very funny. Lilly Tomlin is awesome.
Jone – hooray for the farmer’s market, pool time and movies to beat the smoke haze. Yesterday was pretty unreal with the haze and campfire smell.
LW – I love 2, 6 and 7 this week, but most especially kick 2. Kindness is where its at.
My kicks this week:
1) Chatting with friends on walks.
2) Fun work week.
3) Thursday Happy Hour catch up with a dear friend.
4) Talking to a nearby neighbor & her 3 year old while walking Daisy. The 3 year old decorated Daisy’s collar with flowers & gave lots of hugs, while also using her as a bit of a jungle gym – Daisy loved all of it, & gave lots of kisses when she could sneak them in. Daisy loves kids, & is super calm & gentle with them.
5) Going out to see a neighbor’s rock band last night & having other friends meet up with us. Very fun night.
6) Sunday breakfast & catch-up with another friend this morning.
7) Peaceful Sunday with Daisy snoring while I get some work done.
7.5) Our firefighters, who are working so hard right now battling far too many fires. Thinking of them and hoping for their safety in this rough fire season.
Have a wonderful week all!
Jone, so glad you had quality time with your granddaughter. I’ll have to look up Pixels. Also: Ditto what Little Willow said about the fires!
LW: I like your last kick a lot.
Rachel: Aw, I like to hear about Daisy with children. What a sweet dog. And what a good, friend-filled week you had.
Fingers crossed for Portland firefighters and fires. And have a good week, all!
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