What can I say about a main character who has such a big heart it explodes across the page?
What can I say about illustrations that feel ethereal, strange, and delicate, yet humorous?
You see what I mean? Strange illustrations printed in such as way as to feel not quite fully realized on the page. And the narrative admits that what we’re viewing is strange. And poor Stickler gets to be the strangest character of all.
Perhaps I should say this: Stickler has stolen my heart. Because sometimes he has only two eyes and sometimes an explosion of eyes because he’s so amazed by the world. But it’s not that Stickler just SEES the world, Stickler FEELS it as well.
"Three new sticks! A brown one, another brown one, and another brown one," said Stickler. "Why even Crow will be impressed. And he's seen it all!" STICKS. Stickler loved them more than anything. Except maybe...
[suspense-filled page turn]
Everything else. "Fluffly cloud! Pretty bat! Sticky honey! Craggy Stone! Mushy moss! Buzzy bee! Prickly Plant! Ouch! Bumpy bark! Hoppy rabbit! Weepy tree! Busy bird! Slimy frog!"
Yes, Stickler loves everything about our great big beautiful world. Even the prickly parts. Part of the genius of the humor is in the naming of objects, so kidlike and enthusiastic. But the fact that Stickler loves even the things that can give him an “ouch” endeared him to my heart.
Note that the character “Crow” has not yet shown up in the first three spreads. But when Crow does, the humor ratchets up a notch, along with Stickler’s endearing traits. There’s also plenty of visual irony in the illustrations, because Stickler doesn’t “see” everything that’s being depicted.
Folks, you have to read this one…and then give it a big hug! And then read it again and again and again…
Activities:
Make a nature collage, using found objects like sticks, leaves, flowers, seed pods, etc. from outside. Take a look at this cool video example or this example from Blue Water Baltimore.
Pair this book with Acorn Was a Little Wild. How are the main characters similar? How are they different? How are the illustrations different? Do the two books make you appreciate nature in the same way?
Make an origami crow.
Make paper flowers with “colors bursting like fireworks.”
Title: Stickler Loves the World
Author/Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Random House Studio, 2023
Ages: PreK – elementary school
Themes: nature, optimism, humor
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
You had me at Lane Smith, and reeled me in with your description of Stickler. This book is going on my Christmas wish list if I cam with that long to read it.
Oh, you will LOVE this book! I can’t stop hugging it!
How did I already have this one before you shared it on PPBF? It’s really fun and rereadable! Great choice.
Ha ha! I must be falling behind, LOL. I’m so glad you have it. Such a great book!