In It's a Secret!, British author John Burningham finally gives an answer to the question of where do cats go at night. One night, Marie Elaine catches her cat, Malcolm, about to leave through cat door, "and he was all dressed up in fancy clothes and a hat" (p. 3). Malcolm allows Marie Elaine to accompany him to a fantastic cat party in the city, but first she must "put on something that's right for a party" (p. 5) and "get small" (p. 6). After their amazing journey, Marie Elaine and Malcolm keep the secret of where cats (and their human friends) go at night. The text is captures the wonder that Marie Elaine feels as she follows Malcolm through the city and to new strange experiences. The excitement and joy of the characters easily translates to the reader, especially because of the beautiful illustrations.
Burningham's watercolor illustrations can seem overly simple at times, but in the heart of the book truly capture the beauty and enormity of the city at night, especially when sneaking around. Furthermore, the simple illustrations of the children and the cats at the party maintain the point of view of a child. This is something that Burningham seeks to convey in his books: "exuberant and colourful chunks of wonder that strove to capture the world from the perspective of the pre-school child," according to an article in The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/john-burningham-in-2009-being-young-is-terrible-you-cant-run-wild-1668540.html). The world that appears for Marie Elaine when she accompanies Malcolm can be described as nothing less than a "chunk of wonder." Bright colors juxtaposed with imprecise watercolor painting give the book a very young mind look, but without feeling "babyish."
This book is probably best suited to the primary grades, but it is a book that I hope to keep on my shelves no matter what grade I end up in. Burmingham's way of capturing the world from the eyes and heart of a young child are just too enjoyable to resign to the kindergarten through second grade classroom.
What an interesting plot line for a book! Stories like this and Toy Story really help keep children's imaginations alive! I also really like how you've described the unique illustrations and I would have enjoyed a sample image from inside of the book!
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, I write with Dusk, my cat, in my lap. He's just returned from his night of adventures and must have stored all of his fine wardrobe outside because sadly I see no evidence of it! Terrific plot idea from a fabulous author. Thanks Kim for sharing this book! I enjoy John Burningham but had no idea about this text. Sounds like a winner. After all, curiosity in (and about) cats is widespread and young children enjoy absurd alternatives for everyday situations.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could write children's books, but I'm an awful artist-- so I'm always incredibly interested in how illustrators work. I love the weird sketches of the characters on the cover-- even if I didn't love cats, I'd probably still want to read it!
ReplyDeleteMy graduate program has focused primarily on young adult novels so far, so I'm really liking to hear about some of the children's lit you're getting to read!
I think that we all know that I am a cat lady. And I think we all know that I would love to read books about cats. It sounds like a wonderful book. When I was little, I always imagined my pets and stuffed animals as going to parties and such. I can't wait to read this book as well.
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