Why we love David Shannon
We love David Shannon.
My boys love him because he gets them, the high-energy, toy-loving, let-me-show-you-what's-in-my-mouth, pirate-loving boys that they are.
I love him because he's the kind of funny, cool, but still (dare I say it?) sensible parent I want to be. And his books, from the now-classic "No, David!" and it's follow-ups, to "A Bad Case of Stripes" and "How I Became A Pirate" all ring true and witty and wonderfully creative.
We so enjoyed the book reading and signing he did at Vroman's for his latest, "Too Many Toys," that we might just drop by San Marino Toy and Books when he visits on Wednesday, Nov. 19. I'll get back to you guys about the exact time because he may just be visiting a school there, but if he is going back to the bookstore and signing books, I'll let you know. (I got books signed for my boys, nephews, nieces and assorted godchildren for Christmas.)
My boys love him because he gets them, the high-energy, toy-loving, let-me-show-you-what's-in-my-mouth, pirate-loving boys that they are.
I love him because he's the kind of funny, cool, but still (dare I say it?) sensible parent I want to be. And his books, from the now-classic "No, David!" and it's follow-ups, to "A Bad Case of Stripes" and "How I Became A Pirate" all ring true and witty and wonderfully creative.
We so enjoyed the book reading and signing he did at Vroman's for his latest, "Too Many Toys," that we might just drop by San Marino Toy and Books when he visits on Wednesday, Nov. 19. I'll get back to you guys about the exact time because he may just be visiting a school there, but if he is going back to the bookstore and signing books, I'll let you know. (I got books signed for my boys, nephews, nieces and assorted godchildren for Christmas.)
Last stop on his fall tour is at Whale of A Tale in Irvine on Saturday, Nov. 22. Address is 4199 Campus Dr # A, Irvine, CA 92612. Call them at (949) 854-8288.
If you can make time to meet and greet with Shannon, great. His book signing and reading, as well as a funny, collaborative art lesson, is entertaining for little ones and even the most grown-up of grown-ups. Shannon is proof a sense of humor can carry you through most anything in life.
Other musings on kid lit, with a bow to David Shannon:
1. What things did your mom or dad say to you then, that you find yourself saying now? (Mine is, "Because I said so!" said with great satisfaction!)
Whenever I used to say "why?" my dad would answer, "Y is a crooked letter!" Very confusing. I use that one.
2. As a kid, what was your first favorite toy?
Hmm... I can't really remember. My uncle gave me a viking helmet that I loved. It's in No, David!.
3. What book did you read as a child that first gave you that "wow" feeling about reading?
I loved Dr. Seuss - still do. If I Ran the Zoo, Bartholamew Cubbins & the 500 Hats, The Cat in the Hat - I loved those books, but it was the pictures that really got me started reading.
4. What is your favorite toy now?
My electric guitar.
5. Do you think there IS such a thing as too many toys?
No, I LOVE toys! Only there seems to be an explosion of sort of useless toys these days. They don't really have any function other than "Here, kid, have a toy!" I've seen some that I don't think are even designed to be played with - just given or received.
6. Can you tell me if you're working on another book now?
Yes, I'm working on a new book with Jon Scieszka.
7. Do you have any favorite haunts in the San Gabriel Valley?
My friends and I have a little private pool room in Pasadena. There are some great restaurants in the area, too - Bistro 45, Schmitty's. I also drop in now and then at a wine store called Le Petit Vendome.
If you can make time to meet and greet with Shannon, great. His book signing and reading, as well as a funny, collaborative art lesson, is entertaining for little ones and even the most grown-up of grown-ups. Shannon is proof a sense of humor can carry you through most anything in life.
Other musings on kid lit, with a bow to David Shannon:
1. What things did your mom or dad say to you then, that you find yourself saying now? (Mine is, "Because I said so!" said with great satisfaction!)
Whenever I used to say "why?" my dad would answer, "Y is a crooked letter!" Very confusing. I use that one.
2. As a kid, what was your first favorite toy?
Hmm... I can't really remember. My uncle gave me a viking helmet that I loved. It's in No, David!.
3. What book did you read as a child that first gave you that "wow" feeling about reading?
I loved Dr. Seuss - still do. If I Ran the Zoo, Bartholamew Cubbins & the 500 Hats, The Cat in the Hat - I loved those books, but it was the pictures that really got me started reading.
4. What is your favorite toy now?
My electric guitar.
5. Do you think there IS such a thing as too many toys?
No, I LOVE toys! Only there seems to be an explosion of sort of useless toys these days. They don't really have any function other than "Here, kid, have a toy!" I've seen some that I don't think are even designed to be played with - just given or received.
6. Can you tell me if you're working on another book now?
Yes, I'm working on a new book with Jon Scieszka.
7. Do you have any favorite haunts in the San Gabriel Valley?
My friends and I have a little private pool room in Pasadena. There are some great restaurants in the area, too - Bistro 45, Schmitty's. I also drop in now and then at a wine store called Le Petit Vendome.
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