Author Maureen Sullivan and artist Alison Josephs have collaborated to produce these two wonderful new children’s books which are as much for adults (especially Frenchie fanciers) as they are kids’ books. Written in rhyme, they are great fun to read aloud, even if you don’t have a child (read them to your dog instead). And the beautiful and vividly colored illustrations featuring a very fine looking fawn Frenchie, Carlos, capture the very essence of Frenchieness.
Ankle Soup gives us a Frenchie’s-eye view of the world, which must necessarily include a lot of ankles, and it’s a good idea for all of us — big people as well as little ones — to check out that ten-inches-off-the-floor perspective from time to time. Carlos the Frenchie recounts a Thanksgiving morning in Grand Central Station, when he went along to meet some of his owner’s relatives and then catch a Metro train to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.
Frenchies who have been to the Westminster show may feel a frisson of déjà vu as Carlos describes his encounters and the many sights and sounds in Grand Central . Carlos is an observant little guy, noting instances of beauty and kindness, and in the end leaving the reader with this message: “Please try to see things / from my point of view. / Your ankles are nice but… / you’re more than a shoe.”
Custard and Mustard: Carlos in Coney Island is the second book following Carlos on his outings in and around New York City, and like its predecessor, Ankle Soup, is a winner.
One hot day, Carlos and his owner decided to hop on the subway and head for the beach at one of New York’s great treasures: Coney Island. Full of color and sound and smells (the reader can almost catch a whiff of Nathan’s hot dogs) as experienced from the perspective of a Frenchie, this book brings to life the amazing cultural diversity and energy of Coney Island. The Cyclone roller coaster, the arcade with the sword swallower and tattooed person, the mermaid parade… it’s all there and Carlos is in the thick of it and not missing a thing. Even the food hawkers crying “Eat! Custard and Mustard! / Hot Corn! Pizza Pie! / Papayas! Tamales! / Ain’t nothin’ won’t fry!” help give Carlos (and the reader) an unforgettable day!
