This book was given to Jonah by a friend when Rowan was born. It has quickly become one of our favorite books. Published in 1972, British illustrator John Vernon Lord created the story line and drew the illustrations. Janet Burroway, an American writer, wrote the verse that the story is told in.
The tale is of a town invaded by four million wasps; and how will they get rid of them? Why make an enormous jam sandwich to trap them in of course!
The illustrations in this book are what turn a story with some hilarity and merit of its own into a favorite to be visited again and again and again. I always want to pair this book with Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs as both stories draw on food of humongous proportions to create an understandable comedy for a young child; while, keeping the adult interested with detailed illustrations.
Lord in a lecture on his own creative process creating The Giant Jam Sandwich (whole lecture available here) says "Ideally a picture book for the very young child needs to fascinate the adult reader too, so that both parties can share the book with genuine conviction when they go through the book together." And, The Giant Jam Sandwich does just that. I am intrigued by his flying machines and the attention to detail in each scene. I love the castle towers, tudor style homes and farmed hills that harken to the British landscape.
This is definitely going to be a classic in our home.
4 comments:
Tee hee - that loaf of bread on the cover is very Brit-shaped. Like a nice Warburton's...
Our library seems to have this, so I'll go find it, but honestly - I think my girls will find the wasps gross! We'll see. :-)
Funny, I never think of the 'gross' factor... the joy of little boys. I hope you enjoy it.
Oh, this looks so fun! and it sounds like the perfect companion to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and other Barrett gems. Just checked and our library system has it, so I'll have to put in a reserve request. Thanks!
Post a Comment