Kirsch has a string of picture books dating back to 2008, many of which are out of print. Last year he published an easy reader for Holiday House's I Like to Read line, and it is certainly different from the average easy reader, although it appears to stay true to his quirky style.
Colorful, cartoon-like sketches show a young artist, named Tate, and his playful, rainbow-colored Pup. Tate draws everything around him, challenging readers to find and count the creatures he displays. Pup, meanwhile, juggles, stands on his head, and tries everything he can to attract Tate's attention, but to no avail. Finally, after Tate has drawn, and reader's have counted, flowers, birds, bugs, cats, clowns, and more, Tate notices what he's missing. Pup, complete with red clown-nose and bright pink bow and color, returns home, and Tate promises to always see and include him in his pictures.
Kirsch's quirky art style reminded me somewhat of retro, pen and ink drawings, but his rainbow-colored pup and ubiquitous cats are all his own. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about mixing seek-and-find elements into an easy reader, especially for younger children who are trying to decipher words, but it certainly adds a fun aspect and I think kids will be enthusiastic about it. They would also make really cool coloring pages...
This book series is an unusual size for easy readers, more of a picture book size, about 8x10. This particular title is a level D.
Verdict: I think this is too busy to be a really superlative early easy reader, but it's certainly an excellent mid-list title to fill in that important early level section.
ISBN: 9780823439409; Published 2018 by Holiday House; Purchased for the library
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