#101 of 1001 · November 9, 2020

Today I’ve reached a milestone: my hundredth book review. Thanks to all of you who have liked my posts, followed my account, and left encouraging comments. It really means a lot, and I keep you all in my heart as I craft a new entry each day. And now, the greatest picture book you’ve never heard of: Crackling Brat by Andrew Matthews and Tomek Bogacki. I found this one tucked away like hidden treasure in a dusty labyrinth of an old used bookstore and read it cover to cover on the spot. How could I not? Here was an original work that felt like a cross between a Norse myth and an American tall tale, brimming with magic and humor and rare depth of emotion. Crackling Brat is a human child...or is he? He certainly seems blessed with a raft of remarkable powers. He lives in our world...or does he? His home, it emerges, is situated in an extraordinary landscape filled with dangerous creatures. Something has happened to his father...or has it? He has indeed been missing for quite a while. It’s up to Crackling Brat to use his wits, his bravery, and his uncanny talents to defeat Snow Tiger, Night Bear, and Hunger Wolf and rescue his father from the clutches of Time itself. Matthews’ language sizzles and writhes and sings with explosive glee, choice phrases such as “I’m off out to see what’s what,” “his ears as careful as mice,” “louder than a forest full of birds singing down the sun,” and “his mouth open starving-wide” injecting the proceedings with electric flavor. Bogacki’s expressive illustrations convey the elemental ferocity of the monsters, the mischievous wildness of our hero as he goes toe to toe with each of them, and the indelible bond of affection between parent and child. With this book, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. #magic #adventure #time #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #classicchildrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks