William Joyce

   William Joyce can best be described as colorful, looney, and incredibly creative. His fantastic adventure story, Santa Calls (1993, All Ages, HarperCollins, $18.00), is an exciting new outing to the North Pole in which Esther is kidnapped by the Dark Queen and rescued by her brother Art Atchinson Aimesworth. The book will strike a cord with grown up siblings, as well as the younger kids, with its message of a sister wanting to be friends with her brother. Saks Fifth Ave created a whole line of products based on the book, and nine of Joyce's illustrations based on the book were used in The New York Times Book Review, December 4, 1994. A fitting reward for someone who, at the start of his career, collected quite a few rejection slips.

   At a luncheon two months ago, Joyce remarked that he had wanted to draw and tell stories from the age of five. His first job at HarperCollins was as an illustrator, and then he decided that he could both write and illustrate his own books. The first was George Shrinks (1985, Ages 4 to 8, $13.89 and $3.95pb) which has just been turned into a interactive book on CD-ROM (1994, Ages 3 to 7, $39.95) by HarperCollins. Joyce refers to George Shrinks as King Kong in reverse, while his next book Dinosaur Bob (1988, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00) he categorizes as a happy story about a dinosaur who visits New York and doesn't die. It was his revenge for Old Yeller-in that he wanted to create something that didn't have to go away.

   Nicholas Cricket is his version of Casablanca with bugs, while Bently & Egg (1992, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00) is about a very brave tree frog, Bently Hopperton, who goes to great lengths to protect his duck friend Kack Kack's egg. Joyce wrote this story while awaiting the birth of his first child, and it reveals his feelings and concerns about the impending changes in his family.

   A Day With Wilbur Robinson (1990, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00 and $5.95pb) is another family centered story recalling his experiences with rounding up the relatives and their false teeth and even a glass eye. As a kid he charged his friends 5 cents to look in a sack containing the glass eye.

Reviews

Baseball Bob
William Joyce
   This newly adapted board book, from the longer Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo, is for young fans who may love dinosaurs as much as baseball. When the Lazardo's pet dinosaur joins a local team he sends a ball streaking out of the park to win the game. Bob's team, his family and the whole town celebrate and sing "The Ballad of Dinosaur Bob." Your family, too, can become part of the party because the lyrics are recapped in the book and can be sung to the familiar tune of "Auld Lang Syne." 1999, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 5, $6.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-694-01180-0

Bently & Egg
William Joyce
   Bently the frog has wonderful and fanciful adventures in this board book. When his best friend Kack Kack asks Bently to watch over the egg she has just laid, he decides to paint it because it is "just so plain." Because Bently is so diligent in safeguarding this egg despite some harrowing experiences, Kack Kack names the hatchling Ben in Bently's honor. 1999 (orig. 1992), HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 1 to 3, $6.95. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-694-01211-4

Big Time Olie
William Joyce
   The latest installment in the "Olie Rolie Polie" series targets the frustration of Olie, who is growing bigger every day, but is still not quite the right size to do everything he wants. His parents say Olie is too little to join them on a trip to Mount Big Ball, but his grandfather tells him he is too big to jump on his bed while eating ice cream. Unhappy that he isn't the right size for anything, Olie decides to use the shrink-and-grow-a-lator with some unexpected results. Shrinking himself to the size of a toy, Olie's dog, Spot, rescues him, giving Olie another chance to try the shrink-and-grow-a-lator. This time, Olie grows big enough to launch himself into space with a single jump. Although now able to get his own ice cream from the ice cream planet, Olie runs into trouble and soon discovers that being bigger doesn't make his life perfect. One problem with this book, as well as with other certain story characters that are tied to television programs, is that when their adventures are related through books, the stories tend to be condensed, minimizing story elements, and making viewing the program virtually required in order to get the feel of the whole story. Included with the book are an Olie balloon and a growth chart. 2002, Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Linda Ruble (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0060088109
ISBN: 0060088117

A Day with Wilber Robinson
William Joyce
   Who stole Grandfather's teeth? Was it Uncle Gaston, the cannon sitter, Carl, the family's robot, Uncle Judlow wearing his brain augmentor, or Cousin Laslo with his anti-gravity device? Spend A Day with Wilber Robinson and his weird, non-conformist family to find out where Grandfather's teeth can be. Author/illustrator William Joyce claims this is a thickly disguised account of his own childhood. 1993 (orig. 1990), Harper, Ages 7 to 10, $14.95, $14.89 and $6.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-06-022967-5
ISBN: 0-06-022968-3
ISBN: 0-06-443339-0

Dinosaur Bob
William Joyce
   First released in 1988, this board book adaptation of Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo is a much-modified version of the story. Little Scotty Lazardo finds a dinosaur named Bob while the family is on safari. They return (with Bob) to their home in Pimlico Hills. Along the way kids will be amazed at Bob's prodigious appetite and love of sweets. A companion book to Life with Bob. 1998, HarperFestival, Ages 2 to 5, $6.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-694-01178-9

Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family LazardoWilliam Joyce
   First released in 1988, this new edition includes additional illustrations and an expanded text. There is even a song, "The Ballad of Dinosaur Bob." This is all somewhat of a mixed blessing. Joyce maintains his delightful art-deco inspired style for the new illustrations, a welcome addition. However, the additional text fleshes out the story with more expository detail. Frankly, I preferred the Lazardos when they were enigmatic figures. For those of you who tuned in late, little Scotty Lazardo finds a dinosaur while the family is on safari. They return (with Bob) to their home in Pimlico Hills. Bob's size is a liability, and he is arrested for playfully tossing a car. In the new edition, his arrest is engineered by the mayor's wife, who is patently jealous of the Lazardos. All turns out well, however, when Bob joins the Pimlico Hills Pirates and leads the baseball team to victory. 1995 (orig. 1988), HarperCollins, $15.00, $14.89 and $4.95. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
• Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-06-021074-5
ISBN: 0-06-025429-7
ISBN: 0-06-023047-9

George Shrinks
William Joyce
   Another award winning picture book has been turned into a board book product. George is a little boy who has shrunk to the size of a mouse. As he tries to follow the instructions that his parents have left in a note, he doesn't seem to be the least bit fazed. Given his new size, ordinary chores now take on Herculean proportions. But George perseveres to clean up his room, brush his teeth, take care of his brother, and complete other household tasks. 1998, HarperFestival, Ages 2 to 4, $15.00, $14.89, $6.95, $4.95 and $3.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-06-023070-3
ISBN: 0-06-023071-1
ISBN: 0-694-01179-7
ISBN: 0-06-443129-0
ISBN: 0-06-023299-4

The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs
William Joyce
   Although set in an ordinary suburban garden, this is a highly unusual story about a brigade of doodle bugs fighting against the Spider Queen and rescued by the Leaf Men, who are tiny Robin Hood-like characters with shoots growing out of their heads and capes made of leaves. The characters come to action when the grandmother, who owns the garden, falls ill and the mysterious Long-Lost Toy speaks for the first time. The illustrations depict this magical world very realistically, and all of the characters, no matter how bizarre, are extremely earnest. We learn that "The garden is a miraculous place," but we also learn that imagination is a wonderful talent in the hands of a gifted storyteller and artist. Ultimately, this story is too original to paraphrase; the only possible comparisons are Joyce's earlier picture books or the works of David Wiesner. 2001 (orig. 1996), HarperTrophy/HarperCollins, $6.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Seth Berg (Children's Literature)

The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs
William Joyce
   Just when the garden stands on the verge of shriveling into oblivion, down from the treetops come the Leaf Men, looking like a cross between Errol Flynn's Robin Hood and miniature Star Trek aliens, to save the day. They are the flashiest heroes in this good old-fashioned adventure so, naturally, they get top billing. But that doesn't mean Joyce underemphasizes his smaller, portlier, drabber good guys, the Doodle Bug Guild. In fact, even amidst all the high drama, he makes it clear that it is sometimes the small and overlooked among us--"the tiny of body but brave of heart"--that keep the world in balance. He begins with an old woman who has apparently lost touch with the magic in her garden. She and two boys are shown standing at its center, staring about unseeingly while the bugs watch from leafy bleachers in the shadows. That all the illustrations take place within wavy circles, as if viewed from a telescope, enhances this sense of separation (and makes perfect sense because, in real life, only magnification would provide such views of the primarily teeny cast). When the woman falls ill, dragging the garden's health down with her, insects serenade her on the windowsill. Fireflies use their bodies to write "Get Better" across the clouds. But her eyes remain firmly closed. The Long-Lost Toy, a small metal man eerily sewn to the grass by the evil Spider Queen, says the Leaf Men are the only hope. So the Doodle Bugs rise to the occasion and ascend their Mt. Everest, an immense tree trunk, planning to, "as the full moon touches the topmost branch, sing out low and sure, 'Leaf Men...Leaf Men...we are in need'." As usual, Joyce's glossy, elastic illustrations suit the cinematic feel of his story. Both his heroes and villains, with their expressive but artificial-looking faces, like rubber stretched tightly over frames, have a reassuring unreality. We know they will behave as they should, that Good will ultimately conquer Evil. The Spider Queen, an arachnid Wicked Witch of the West with ant goblins for flying monkeys, poses an exciting threat, the music swells, but, of course, the woman and her garden survive. With the Long-Lost Toy back in her hands, she can rest assured that childhood and its miracles can be by her side in an instant, if she only remembers to call. 1996, HarperCollins, 9-3/8 x 10, 32 pages, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Christine Heppermann (The Five Owls, January/February 1997 (Vol. 11, No. 3))
Best Books:
• Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
• Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 1996; Smithsonian; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
• Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1998; Nominee; Kentucky
ISBN: 0060272376
ISBN: 0060272384

Life With Bob
William Joyce
   First released in 1988, this adaptation of Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo is a much-modified version of the story. Bob's size is a liability, and he is arrested for playfully tossing a car. However, everything turns out fine in the end. A companion book to Dinosaur Bob. 1998, HarperFestival, Ages 2 to 5, $6.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-694-01181-9

Rolie Polie Olie
William Joyce
   A refreshing approach in children's books, this amazing story and its equally amazing pictures are fun, quirky and a bit off the wall. Rolie Polie, a little round robot guy, lives with his family on a round planet. Everything is round, you see, and the story takes us through Rolie Polie's day. The rhyming text is fun to say out loud and hear due to its comic and repetitious verses. The computer-generated characters are sure to become classics. In fact, they have already been made into a cartoon series for the Disney channel. Rolie Polie acts just like a normal kid, but in not so normal surroundings. Very appealing! 1999, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 0-06-027163-9

Santa Calls
William Joyce
   The exciting outing to the North Pole, in which Esther is kidnapped by the Dark Queen and is rescued by her brother Art Atchinson Aimesworth, has been translated into a board book, but it just doesn't work. The complex multi-layered story cannot be conveyed in this shortened form. It is really a different story, and not nearly as enjoyable. The illustrations, which on larger pages work so well, feel cramped and busy in this smaller format. The original version is a delight and should be the book of choice. 1998 (orig. 1993), HarperFestival, Ages 3 to 5, $6.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-694-01212-2

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Sleepy Time Olie
illiam Joyce
   Olie Rolie Polie robot awaits his father's return home at the end of the day. But Pappy arrives home late and out of sorts. He's "bonked" his head and "broke" his smile and heads straight to bed. That's when Olie Rolie Polie sets off to create a "super silly ray" to make his father all well. He adds a funny bone and "shot of uncle Gizmo" and a "book of jokes." He springs into his father's room with his bubble ray, and the whole family participates in the fun. Once his father is feeling like his old self, the family snuggles together for lullabies and carefree sleep. The bedtime story of a mechanical space-age robot family appeals to young readers who like the rhyming text and bright, busy, computer-rendered futuristic illustrations. Other "Rolie Polie" adventures include Rolie Polie Olie, and Snowie Rolie. 2001, Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 2 to 8. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0060296135
ISBN: 0060296143

Snowie Rolie
William Joyce
   Rolie Polie Olie is back with a winter's tale in this sequel to the popular Rolie Polie Olie, which has been made into a television series on the Disney Channel. Olie gets his wish for snow when his planet's sun blows a light bulb. He and his sister Zowie build Mr. Snowie when the planet is covered with snow. The predictable plot then tracks the Frosty the Snowman story--the children need to bring Mr. Snowie to a colder planet after the sun's light bulb is replaced because he is quickly melting. They rocket to Chillsville, the home of Klanky Klaus, who rewards them with snowdrop soup and other chilly treats. When Klaus and his reindeer bring the children back home, Klaus leaves them with a little memento of their new friend. The striking illustrations carry the book's weak plot line. This title is sure to appeal to the growing legion of Olie fans. 2000, Laura Geringer/HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 2 to 8. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature)
Snowie Rolie
William Joyce
   Olie, a young round robot, wishes that he knew what it was like for there to be a snowy day. He gets his chance when the sun's bulb burns out, and snow begins to fall. Olie and his younger sister, Zowie, use the snow to build a new friend--Mr. Snowie, the snowman. When the bulb gets replaced, Olie and Zowie must find a new home for Mr. Snowie. So, all three brave the journey to Chillsville in a rocket to save Mr. Snowie. They are welcomed by Santa and an entire village of snowmen who immediately accept Mr. Snowie into their town. When it is time to leave, Olie and Zowie have a hard time saying good-bye but must. After returning home the two find a present left for them by Mr. Snowie to remind them of their friendship. There is even a moral of the story on the last page. The computerized illustrations are large and colorful and are very appealing for young children, especially those who enjoy the TV program Rolie Polie Olie on which the book is based. The text is short, but this doesn't hurt since the illustrations are the main attraction. Grades PreK-K. 2000, Laura Geringer Books, Unpaged, $15.89. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Amber Coronado (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 4))
Best Books:
• Children's Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0060292857
ISBN: 0060292865

Added 01/30/04

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