AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Dallas Clayton
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2014
Intended Age: 3-87
Themes: Friendship, Fears
Opening lines: MY NAME IS LILY! I'M A UNICORN. I LIKE TO MAKE THINGS.
Synopsis: An exuberant unicorn tries to convince a penguin to go on adventures with her.
What I like about this book: The author nails the voice. She may be drawn as a unicorn, but Lily represents any (well-rested!) preschooler. Full of energy, optimism and viewing life through rose-colored glasses, Lily believes she can do ANYTHING. And that anyone can join her in her fun. She doesn't convince Roger the penguin as much as wear him down! The hand-lettered billowy text and illustrations look as if they could have been drawn by a very talented child. A maze of almost random objects placed next to each other on each page, linked by the vaguest threads just as a child's thoughts bounce from thing to thing. At first, the visual "noise" is a bit overwhelming if you try to read quickly. But the key is to slow down! The overall effect is charming. (I wasn't familiar with his books before, but the author successfully sold 50,000 copies of his self-published picture book, The Awesome Book before hooking up with Harper Collins.)
- View the first fifteen pages on HarperCollins website.
- Watch the video (above) where Clayton tells how he eventually decided to put his first book online for free.
- Talk about things a child can do. Things they'd like to do. Things they are afraid of. Compare the lists--any similarities?
- Ask a friend (or or new!) to join you on an adventure.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Well! I"m already inspired! The video is wonderful. And inspiring. "I JUST want to make the World a better place." Don't we all. Love him.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to download his book on my kindle. Do you know how?
Happy Valentine's Day! :)
I wish I had a kindle! First on the list, new computer. So I'm no help there.
DeleteGreat choice for today - and wonderful video. Clayton inspires me to keep on with this writing thing we do.
ReplyDeleteOptimism is under-rated. See it and be it.
DeleteGreat little video too, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI love how I feel connected to authors after hearing them speak. :)
DeleteThere are never enough unicorn books! This is one of my daughter's favorites. Glad you gave it PPBF love.
ReplyDeleteEspecially such a friendly one! Thanks, Cathy.
DeleteWow! very inspiring video. Loved the book. Thanks for sharing Wendy.
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought a unicorn was such a good role model? I think he's channeling Pharrel's HAPPY!
DeleteThis book sounds adorable! I always love books with a strong voice. I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteWell, I know a little boy who can Do Anything, so we'll hopefully be able to find this book. Look forward to reading this one. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteMy library has it, so I was able to put it on hold! Yay. I loved the video too. I thought I recognized the author. That's Awesome that Harper Collins called him. His book was certainly successful.
DeleteI am most intrigued by the route the author took and eventually led to this...it's one of the more fascinating success stories. :) The story looks cute, too!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Teresa! I hear mostly about "platform" in regards to NF but it certainly worked for fiction here.
DeleteNow I remember. I heard about this author's journey somewhere before. Thanks for reminding me to check this out in more detail.
ReplyDeleteEnergy and optimism worked for him. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis looks VERY cute, Wendy! And I think a book about friendship is perfect for Valentine's Day! I don't know too many preschoolers - 2nd graders who are too interested in true love :)
ReplyDelete