The Imposter

Written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Clarion Books (An imprint of HarperCollins)

978-0-358697060

40 pp.

Ages 4-8

November  2023

 

In her newest picture book, author-illustrator Kelly Collier addresses the efforts we go to in order to belong, whether to a family or a peer group.  And it doesn't matter if you're human, dog, or skunk, belonging brings comfort, protection, and even resilience. It's no wonder that Skunk doesn't like being alone.

 

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Skunk sees all the love and attention dogs get at the park and he is envious of them and their relationships with their people and other dogs. When he sees a notice for a lost dog, he's flummoxed that a dog, Max, would run away from the very life for which Skunk yearns. Although he is chastised by a squirrel, a raccoon, and a cat for even wanting to be a dog, they agree to help him pretend to be the missing dog.

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

First they paint away his stripe, and dress him up with fake ears, a collar and more. Then they teach him how to act like Max. But just as he's on the threshold of presenting himself to Max's family, his conscience takes over and he thinks about Max being lost. Not only does he blow his chance for a family in a very skunky way, but he also decides that he must find Max and return him to his people. Together the quartet of new friends find a happy ending for Max and Skunk and his new friends.

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Why do we always think that being something else or attaining something will make us happier? Why do we believe the grass is always greener on the other side? Skunk truly believes that dogs have better lives, being loved and cared for. It's no surprise he wishes for that same comfort and affection. But Skunk has a conscience that prevents him from usurping Max's role. He has empathy and compassion. He realizes what he is doing is wrong and, instead of taking advantage of Max's disappearance, Skunk tries to make things right by finding the missing pooch. As such, Kelly Collier has given us a skunk with heart.

 

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Even though Skunk was looking for a better life, not unlike the lead character in Kelly Collier's first book, A Horse Named Steve, Skunk lacks Steve's hubris. Skunk can see beyond himself and thus recognize the need to give rather than just take. He could've stepped into Max's comfortable doggie boots–though we know it would never have worked–but instead gave up his chance in a big and smelly way when he realizes he wasn't being honest or true to himself. And though it looks like he's given up on his dream, Kelly Collier makes us feel for Skunk through her illustrations. She makes us see him sagging in posture and spirit until he finds a purpose and friends with whom he can work for that purpose. She's gives us the greens of hope and the softness of line and colour in her artwork as she takes Skunk on his journey from desperation to contentment.

Self-acceptance is a tough concept for young people when they see others living what may appear to be better lives. Skunk just needed to be accepted by others to see his own self-worth, though his new friends already knew that he was a creature who mattered. He is no imposter and never was. He was always the real thing.

Skunk on a String

by Thao Lam

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-131-2

40 pp.

Ages 4-7

March 2016

Wordless picture books have a nuance that takes them beyond texted children’s books.  It’s the distinction of stories told without the clues of text, stories told in whatever way the visual reader chooses to see the tale.  The possibilities are endless.  In this review, I will endeavour to share my own take on Skunk on a String.  It may not be what others see but it’s mine.

Amongst a colourful parade of costumed walkers clinging to massive balloons floats a skunk with a relatively plain red polka-dot balloon string wrapped around its back leg. How he got into this predicament is unknown.  What he sees and the reactions he generates are the basis for Thao Lam’s illustrations, both full page and panelled pages with multiple scenes.

From Skunk on a String by Thao Lam

From the city blocks of apartments with their multitude of residents–cooking, watching TV, doing laundry, reading–to the construction workers on top of unfinished buildings and the animals at the zoo, the skunk sees much, all the while trying to catch something to help bring him down.  Hope seems imminent with a foray on a garbage truck but our little guy is again set aloft and cruising over, and in, an ocean, a desert and finally an amusement park, where a ferris wheel gives him the opportunity to become unstrung.  But, with this new freedom, the little skunk gets a new perspective on his adventure and finds a way to get back the truly free experience of seeing the world.

Thao Lam uses collages of brightly coloured and textured papers to create the amazing worlds that our little skunk visits.  Both minimalist in some scenes (e.g., the zoo) and incredibly detailed in others (e.g., the apartment building), she fashions clever illustrations that depict a full range of landscapes, each with their own touches of life: fish, cacti, elephants, trees, plants, humans.  There’s both a depth and a lightness to her illustrations, not unlike the world that Skunk on a String gets to visit, ultimately cherishing the opportunity for adventure he’s been given.

Mouse Pet

by Philip Roy

Illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara

Ronsdale Press

978-1-5530-443-7

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

September 2015

Happy the Pocket Mouse, introduced in Mouse Tales (2014) and revisited in Jellybean Mouse (2014), is back in his third adventure and this time he wants to share his happiness with a pet that he and his human John could take for walks and pat.

John listens to the little mouse’s wish and all the fun Happy is sure will be theirs but helps him to understand the significant responsibilities required of pet care.  In fact, Happy decides they should get a goat–even naming it Lola–and has an answer to every objection John makes. Fortunately, and with much affection, John suggests an alternative and one that makes everyone happy!

Happy the Pocket Mouse has a heart full of love and he shares it so completely with John that it only makes sense that he extend that love to another and maybe even another.  The dialogue that Philip Roy has created between Happy and John is so endearing and honest that the reader will feel privileged to eavesdrop on their affection and tender conversation.  With so much caring and compassion, you know that the resolution to their pet discussion will be a sweet one.

The text is so appealing and yet concise and emotive, and the illustrations by Andrea Torrey Balsara are just as charming.  It’s like drinking hot cocoa and eating sweet treats.  The anticipation is just as wonderful as the consumption and you’re left with a warm feeling of goodness and sweetness and look forward to another helping soon enough.