Jarrett Krosoczka
Jarrett Krosoczka titled his presentation for the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Festival "The Making of Monkey Boy." A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Krosoczka is already recognized as a leading visual artist and illustrator. He readily acknowledged that he "is one lucky fellow to be doing what I love to do-drawing and writing." The fact that he had his first book, Good Night Monkey Boy, published within a month of graduating from college tells me that he is not only lucky, but is also gifted and dedicated to his art.
As a youngster he lived with his grandparents who recognized his artistic talents and provided him with lots of art experiences, materials, and classes. "I was always drawing. I loved the Smurfs, books, cartoons, and comics...I loved comics!" He enthusiastically described a childhood filled with younger cousins that he entertained and learned from-"I was the oldest so I was constantly surrounded by little kids and I had to figure out what they liked and what made them happy." These experiences are part of what makes his books "work" so well with children. He has figured out "what they like." As he went on to describe other influences in his art he spoke of his affection for books like Salamander Room and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi.
During his presentation he used slides to show the gathered teachers and educators the various illustrations he was describing. When he spoke lovingly of an early art teacher, he showed a painting of Snoopy ("I really loved Snoopy.") that had been "ruined" by a blob of runny paint. The teacher showed him how to take the mistake and make something new out of it. Then the teacher entered the picture in an art show and it actually won a prize. This experience really touched him and gave him a new confidence in his approach to art. When he showed a series of comics ("Lightening Man"), he joked about his desire to draw his "own characters" and also showed "the vegetables who live in a refrigerator as an apartment building." This need to create his own characters has led him to write and draw his own books. After an experience illustrating a book for another author, he decided that what he really wanted to do was "write and draw AND draw and write."
This creative drive and sense of individuality in art caused some difficult moments in his years of art training until he learned to "make the assignment fit me." When faced with the task (in a still-life class in high school) of drawing a paper bag, he did so-cutting eyes and mouth into the bag to create "a character." This character, "Bag Head," became a sort of logo (or maybe a talisman?) for Krosoczka, as it appeared on every mailing he made to publishers and editors soliciting interest in his art. Painting classes were "really hard for me" but "I really wanted to take Painting and the Word" so he persevered until he had created a character "Slug" who starred in the book My Buddy, Slug (after cameo appearances in Good Night Monkey Boy and Baghead). At this point in college, he also decided that he "might as well get the rejections out of the way" so he began submitting to a variety of publishers. After eleven rejections he did get work illustrating for another author and quickly learned that he did not enjoy doing that sort of work.
After graduating and moving to Boston, he began his campaign of mailing postcards with original art to various publishing houses (of course, Baghead was also on the card somewhere). He taught art, worked at a "camp," and created his own web site, where he tried to show the "marriage of word and image." Working with a young camper to create a skit for a talent show resulted in the creation of a "monkey boy" who went on to become the main character in his first book. While all of these things were happening, Random House responded to one of the postcard mailings and Krosoczka headed to New York.
The list of Krosoczka's books includes Max for President, Punk Farm (which Pixar has optioned for a feature length film), Annie Was Warned, Giddy Up Cowgirl and Bubble Bath Pirates, with Punk Farm on Tour, and Lunch Lady waiting in the wings. In all of these books we see that he endeavors to keep the text and the images in close harmony-each supporting the other with grace and ease.
Jarrett Krosoczka's sense of humor is concretely evidenced in each of his books but his own description of his first book signing gives a clue to his "darker side." He said that the signing was "just like a wake but happy and I could say 'hello'" to every one who came to "support me." I can just see all of his family and friends crowding around him to congratulate him! I'll join the crowd and add my congratulations to this fine young man and his talent for turning out "what they like." We like it a lot!
You will want to visit his web site: www.studiojjk.com
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Annie Was Warned
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Brave Annie is determined to go to the "creepy old Montgomery mansion" on Halloween night. As she set out with her flashlight, she "wasn't afraid of anything." But as she walked along, there were some peculiarities. When she crossed the churchyard, she felt something tickle the back of her neck. She was relieved to discover it was only the leaves falling from the trees. When she arrived at the mansion, a sign on the door told her not to open it. She did. Inside were all her friends in costume scaring her and surprising her with a birthday party. Children whose birthdays are on Halloween will enjoy this just spooky enough story. Annie's flashlight is used effectively throughout the illustrations. A sense of the wind blowing, the peculiar perspectives and the dark colors give it an eerie look. 2003, Knopf, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 4, 2003; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-375-81567-8
ISBN: 0-375-91567-2
ISBN: 978-0-375-81567-6
ISBN: 978-0-375-91567-3
Baghead
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Josh's idea of wearing a brown paper bag over his head is called crazy and impossible by his mother, by the bus driver, by his teacher, and his coach. But he manages to get through the day very well, despite it. It is only at the family dinner table that he reveals the reason: a badly botched attempt to cut his own hair. Luckily his sister has a good idea. She gels and spikes his hair, making it cool enough to remove the bag. The very brief text sets an amusing problem with a clever solution. The brown paper book jacket has cut-out eye holes revealing the boldly painted picture of our bagged hero. The visual tale is told in similar crudely stroked imagery. Matching the primal pictures, the text is set in a very large type face simulating hand lettering. The impression is of a loud, funny, slice of family life. 2002, A Borzoi Book/Alfred A Knopf, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Josh wakes up on Wednesday morning with an idea. This brilliant idea is that he will go to school with a brown bag over his head. Naturally, Mom and Dad think this is a bit odd as does the bus driver and the soccer coach. One teacher thinks it is a way to get out of turning in his book report. Naturally, the kids that surround him over the course of his day think it is hilarious. But Josh has no ulterior motive. Well, not one that would immediately jump to mind anyway. It is his younger sister who uncovers this ulterior motive and helps Josh with a solution that is "out of the box" (or should I say "out of the bag?"!). It is so nice to see a book with a younger sister who helps save the day. This is a very well constructed book with a well-told story. Krosoczka's artwork is big and bold and his placement of the pictures is varied and interesting. Even the pages with text only have a nice textured feel to them that helps incorporate them into the art itself. The cover is a brown paper bookcover with eye-holes cut out, which just pulls you into the book. The story is funny and surprising, which will tickle readers in this age group who have, no doubt, had a day like Josh is having. Heaven knows, I have! 2002, Knopf, $15.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2004; Nominee; Nevada
South Carolina Picture Book Award, 2006; Nominee; United States
Virginia Young Readers Program, 2005-2006; Nominee; Primary School Level; Virginia
ISBN: 0-375-81566-X
ISBN: 0-375-91566-4
ISBN: 0-553-11172-8
ISBN: 978-0-375-81566-9
ISBN: 978-0-375-91566-6
ISBN: 978-0-553-11172-9
Bubble Bath Pirates
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Bath time becomes a whole lot of fun when Mommy and her two little "pirates" take on the nightly ritual. The brothers gleefully walk the plank into the bubble-filled tub, play with their toy pirate ship, and somehow remember to scrub their backs and under their arms. The boys "prepare the cannons" a Mommy pulls the plug, and they gleefully run (leaving their towels behind) to the kitchen to claim their reward of "buried treasure"--chocolate ice cream. The bathtub, overflowing with bubbles, is the focus of each two-page spread, as suds and bath toys (including a spyglass and a rubber ducky with an eye patch) swirl around the two jubilant little pirates. The brothers and their mom approach bath time with a sense of excitement and creativity, and weary parents might gain some inspiration about ways to breathe new life into an old routine. 2003, Viking, $15.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Winner 2004 Missouri
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Building Block Picture Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Pre School; Missouri
ISBN: 0-670-03599-8
ISBN: 978-0-670-0359-91
Giddy Up, Cowgirl
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Cowgirl loves to help, so when Momma tells her it is time to run some errands, Cowgirl responds with a loud, "Yee Haw!" When they discover that Momma's car radio is not working, Cowgirl sings songs as they travel. At the bank, Cowgirl is able to find Momma's lost checkbook. Then she helps mail lots of letters (most of which are shown flying to the sidewalk). Cowgirl drops pieces of clothing as she approaches the counter in the cleaners. She proudly holds the list as they go toward the grocery store. Unfortunately, a gust of wind blows the list away. Fortunately, Cowgirl remembers all the items written there (chocolate, jelly beans, marshmallows, ice cream, cupcakes...). Of course, Cowgirl helps carry groceries to the car. Of course, the bag rips and broken eggs stream onto the parking lot. Her understanding mom is forgiving, because Cowgirl always tries to help. They start for home and Cowgirl opens the car door by herself. Whoops! How come that red car is parked so close? Cowgirl is depicted as an energetic youngster with a slightly oversized head and a huge mouth, which is often open displaying a missing tooth. Momma is shown as loving and patient. Overall the illustrations portray lots of action, but the dark backgrounds on many pages give the feeling that some of the story is occurring in the middle of the night. 2006, Viking/Penguin, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. ISBN: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-670-06050-X
ISBN: 978-0-670-06050-4
Good Night, Monkey Boy
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Those who face the nightly challenge of getting a hyperactive pre-schooler to bed will find this story familiar. The boy here is affectionately called Monkey Boy in a large-type text that consists primarily of a series of adult requests--"Let's get ready for bed, Monkey Boy;" "Enough of that!" The double-page spreads barely contain the antics and energy of the joyous, monkey-suited redhead, while the vigorous, almost crude illustrations are painterly in their construction and emotion-arousing in their design. Clearly this mischievous fellow is meant to get under your skin, and he does! 2001, Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, $16.99 and $14.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0-37581121-4
ISBN: 0-375-91121-9
ISBN: 978-0-375-81121-0
ISBN: 978-0-375-91121-7
Max for President
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
When Mrs. Antonio announces that there will be an election to choose a new class president, both Max and Kelly decide to run. They put up signs, give buttons to their classmates, and make elaborate campaign promises. On the day of the election, Max and Kelly are very nervous until the votes are counted and winner is announced. Kelly is the new class president and Max is very disappointed. Mrs. Antonio tells Kelly that she needs to choose a vice present, so Kelly chooses Max. By working together, they are able to improve the students' school lives. This story teaches both how elections work and the value of teamwork. The lively, colorful illustrations accent this story well. While a bit didactic, children will most likely enjoy this story. However, elections do not often take place in classes for this age range, so some of the concepts may be a bit alien to younger children. 2004, Alfred A Knopf, $15.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82428-6
ISBN: 0-375-92428-0
ISBN: 978-0-375-82428-9
ISBN: 978-0-375-92428-6
My Buddy, Slug
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
This full-color picture book is about true friendship between Slug and a young boy named Alex. After one of their friends moves away, they end up spending time together every day, day and night. Alex tries without success to get some alone time. He finds that he and Slug spend way too much time together and Slug wears out his welcome. Alex ends up saying things he does not mean and hurts Slug's feelings. When Alex realizes how much he actually misses his friend, they make up and realize that sometimes friends need to give each other a little space--and that true friendship lasts through good times and tough times. The full-color acrylic illustrations are fun and charmingly stylized. Great composition, and the layout of the text works well within the images. This book will keep the interest of the young reader through the simple story, engaging colors, and charming characters. 2006, Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Vanessa Richardson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-83342-0
ISBN: 978-0-375-83342-7
ISBN: 0-375-93342-5
ISBN: 978-0-375-93342-4
Punk Farm
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
After a hard day's work Farmer Joe heads home to bed--but not his animals. With Pig on guitar, Goat on bass, Chicken on keyboard, cow on Drums, and Sheep doing vocals, the Punk Farm group puts on its dark shades and prepares for its performance. They are ready to rock, with a version of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" to shake the rafters. Three verses of the song go across the double pages, complete with sound effects, followed by a "blazing finale" and the cheers of their audience. The next morning, Farmer Joe is ready to go to work, but the animals are all worn out. Acrylic illustrations produce enough context to set the stage for the gyrating animals whose actions simulate contemporary bands. The white text letters are large and mainly upper case as they portray the raucous sounds. Raw emotion is projected; the animals minimally resemble their counterparts in nature but are more symbolic for effect. The end-papers are a mélange of photos of the rock stars amid ticket stubs, sketches, and sheets of notebook paper with additional notes, including a "Thank you" from the Punk Farm group itself. 2005, A Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 1, 2005; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Mitten Award Finalist 2005 Picture Book United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
2x2 Reading List, 2006; Age 2 to Grade 2; United States
The Golden Archer Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Primary; Wisconsin
Mockingbird Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Texas
Wisconsin Battle of the Books, 2006; Booklist; Elementary Division Grades 4-6; Wisconsin
ISBN: 0-375-82429-4
ISBN: 0-375-92429-9
ISBN: 978-0-375-82429-6
ISBN: 978-0-375-92429-3
Updated 09/21/07
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