FICTION

Van Dog

by Mikolaj Pa (text) & illus. by Gosia Herba
Milky Way. Nov. 2022. 50p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781990252129.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–In this visual feast of a book, a cavalcade of color and creatures cross the pages as Van Dog goes out to create a masterpiece. He goes into the countryside to paint—but the story isn’t traditionally written. Words come from sounds, either from the array of bugs and small woodland animals, or the appearance of strange creatures talking. The pleasure comes from seeing the pages become increasingly absurd. The scene fills up with knights, aliens, and even a surprise appearance from Godzilla. It’s not linear. It begs readers to linger, discovering hidden corners in the illustrations. Throughout it all, Van Dog calmly paints, until the viewers are treated to his unveiled masterpiece at the end of the book.
VERDICT An additional purchase, but an artsy delight, well suited for close observation.
Reviewed by Cat McCarrey , Dec 01, 2022

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