7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #544: Featuring Mariachiara Di Giorgio

h1 July 23rd, 2017 by jules



 

How about another import today, dear Imps? Last week we had a German one; today is one from Italy.

Professional Crocodile was originally published in Italy this year but is also seeing publication here in the States in early August (Chronicle Books). It’s a book conceived by writer and publisher Giovanna Zoboli, who is also one of the founders of the Italian children’s book publisher Topipittori, and it’s illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio.

In this wordless story, readers follow a crocodile during the course of his day. The illustrations are divided into panels of various sizes, though some spreads are continuous, full-bleed ones. The crocodile dresses and behaves as if human. Di Giorgio’s dynamic city scenes will beguile readers; there’s a lot to pore over and take in, and there’s a good dose of humor in the details. At one point, when the crocodile hops on a crowded train, we see mostly humans but also a few other animals. Hmm. … Where is he heading? child readers will wonder.

He’s actually heading for the zoo. Once there, he removes his clothes in a locker room and then waltzes right into his enclosure where, on the final spread, humans gape at him through a glass partition.

Does the crocodile enjoy this? Given the very first illustration, where we see him sleeping in his PJs at home and dreaming of lying in a swamp at night, perhaps he does love his “job” at the zoo? Is this a 9-to-5 engagement he’s expected to do, maybe paid to do, maybe even dreads doing? Author and illustrator don’t tell us. It’s left to readers to decide. I suppose his professional obligations can be seen as either absurd and depressing (which, come to think of it, is how many people feel about their jobs) or content and fulfilling, depending on who’s reading.

Here are a few spreads. …

 



(Click either image to enlarge and see spread in its entirety)


 


(Click to enlarge spread)


 


(Click to enlarge spread)


 

PROFESSIONAL CROCODILE. Copyright © 2017 by Topipittori. First published in the United States of America in 21017 by Chronicle Books LLC. Illustrations reproduced by permission of the publisher.

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.

* * * Jules’ Kicks * * *

1) The 13th Doctor!

 



 

2) This brief and beautiful piece of writing from Margaret Renkl.

3) This news piece from Rolling Stone about Shawn Colvin’s song “Polaroids” had me this week digging out the album the song comes from. I’ve always loved this song (though I didn’t much care for any other songs on that album), especially that perfect, last verse:

But I had a dream last night
Of lovers who walked the plank
Out on the edge of time
Amidst ridicule
They laughed as they rocked and reeled
Over the mining fields
Coming to rest on this ship of fools
But he just took Polaroids
Of her smile in the light
Of the dawn of the menacing sky
And before they went overboard
She turned and held up a card
And it said Valentine

4) Garfield Minus Garfield. Brilliant.

5) Keegan-Michael Key reprises his role as Obama’s anger translator.

6) I presented about picture books this week for Knox County Library and UT in Knoxville. I always love to talk about picture books.

7) Winding down.

What are YOUR kicks this week?





5 comments to “7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #544: Featuring Mariachiara Di Giorgio”

  1. I think Professional Crocodile will be a hit. Such a great one for questions.
    Jules, the Margaret Renkl piece is gping to be passwd on. It’s perfect for several people in my life who’ve experienced loss recently.
    My kicks:
    1. Oldest grandgirl
    2. Book recommendations
    3. Morning walks
    4. Backyard pizza oven( a friend’s) Delicious pizza on three minutes
    5. Late night reading
    6. Poetry
    7. Creating


  2. Good morning, Imps!

    Hello, Mariachiara Di Giorgio! Professional Crocodile looks like fun. The title alone is great, then seeing those illustrations – adorable!

    Jules: SO EXCITED FOR 13. Do you watch Broadchurch?

    Jone: Good times, good times.

    My kicks from the past week:
    1) Performances
    2) Preparation
    3) Rehearsals
    4) All right
    5) Moderate
    6) Treat
    7) Surely


  3. Jone, Margaret just got a book deal too! It’ll be a book of essays from Milkweed Editions. I’m so getting that book. … Sounds like you’re having a wonderful, relaxing summer, which makes me happy.

    Little Willow: YES! I saw a photo the other day on social media of the Broadchurch cast next to some Doctor Who cast members, and it said something like, “Doctor Who or Broadchurch?” … since they share so many actors. We just started the new season of Broadchurch last night. We’re three eps in, and I think only four are currently available. … I like your last kick.


  4. Jules: I saw that photo as well. Good times, good times. I enjoy Broadchurch and have been watching it via BBC America, so I’m up to the latest that’s aired here, Season 3, Episode 5.


  5. We are all caught up now too, LW. Such a great show. I could listen to David Tennant and that rolling accent all day too.


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