Imogene Comes Back!
Written & Illustrated by David Small
Thirty-five years after she sprouted antlers and peacock feathers, Imogene, that far pluckier version of Gregor Samsa, awakens, and “it appeared that the parade of peculiarities would proceed.” It begins with Imogene acquiring a giraffe’s neck; then comes an elephant’s nose and ears, followed by butterfly wings. This time, there’s no period of adjustment—Imogene is an old hand by now, and her self-possession is one of the book’s delights. Her patrician family remains beyond nonplussed (her mother swoons; her father suggests, “Send her to art school!”), while the household staff is quick to spot the utility of it all: Mrs. Perkins puts elephantized Imogene to work watering the garden. Small’s pen, ink, and watercolor drawings are as sly as ever, rendered in creamy tones befitting Imogene’s posh lifestyle and punctuated by sublime goofiness—and reminding readers that being able to roll with change is a useful part of transformation. — Publishers Weekly
Knopf
ISBN: 978-0-59-312374-4
This is a charming follow-up to Small’s Imogene’s Antlers. It all starts one day when Imogene wakes up to find that a pair of antlers had grown on her head overnight. The next day, a peacock’s tail has sprouted. This parade of peculiarities is only just beginning. Every day Imogene wakes up with a new surprise. The excitement is just too much for her family, especially her poor mother who simply can’t cope. True to herself despite the curious new features, Imogene is able to find the best in every situation. While sporting a long giraffe neck, she discovers a lost football. With her elephant trunk, she is able to water the entire garden. Despite Imogene’s positive attitude, it is all too much for her family, and just as they are about to give up and send her away, Imogene wakes up as herself without any additions. And then there’s a twist! The illustrations are soft and colorful in Small’s signature style.
VERDICT This sweet and funny story has an important message about acceptance. A highly recommended purchase, especially for fans of the first book. — Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Library
Thirty-five years after readers were first introduced to Imogene in the beloved picture book classic Imogene's Antlers, she's back! (Because apparently it wasn't enough for the titular young lady to grow antlers and a peacock's tail.) In this hilarious follow-up, Imogene further stupefies her family and gives her stuffy mother even more reasons to faint.
When Imogene wakes up, "wondering what the day would bring," it is quickly apparent that the "parade of peculiarities" established in the first book will continue. Despite her proper, old-fashioned family's disapproval of her giraffe's neck, Imogene cheerfully puts the additional height to good use by finding Norman's football (at the top of a tall cabinet) and rescuing a neighbor's kitten (stuck in a tree). As if that weren't enough, a new day brings yet another surprise. Imogene, now sporting the head of an elephant, helps out by employing her trunk to water "the lilies... the lavender.../ the lilacs... and the lady next door." But, finally, when a diminutive Imogene flies through the house on butterfly wings, it's all too much. In a fit of pique, Mother bellows, "Enough is ENOUGH!!!" and promptly faints. The next day, a nervous family waits for Imogene to come down for breakfast. When she steps into the dining room with her own nose and face, in fact, as her own "self, once more," everyone rejoices. "Especially Mother. Until... suddenly--"
The surprise ending of this picture-perfect sequel should leave readers howling with laughter. Working in pen, ink and watercolor, Small (Stitches; One Cool Friend) envisions a lively world, one he casts with characters full of emotion. The household's exaggerated responses to the silliness of their situation are deftly conveyed: the priggish family's confusion and disapproval, the servants' gleeful encouragement, and--always--the unwavering delight Imogene experiences with her ever-changing gifts. The exuberant illustrations feature the artist's signature style, detailed yet fluid linework brushed with washes of carefully chosen colors. Observant readers will note important details on subsequent readings that could explain some of Imogene's current and former manifestations, and also perhaps a hint that Imogene might be headed to art school. In keeping with the spirit of the first book, this joyful ode to imagination offers readers plenty of encouragement to buck conformity and celebrate what makes them extraordinary--even if it makes their mothers swoon! -- Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI