Boys and girls, this book ticks all my boxes. Actually, let me rephrase: this book obliterates all my boxes. Quirky? Check. Well written? Check. Metafiction? Check. Original? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
When I came across A Perfectly Messed-Up Story at the bookstore, I let out an audible gasp. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes that goes out the window when we’re talking picture books (and I’m always talking picture books). When I saw this one, I knew it was meant to be.
This isn’t a classic narrative, and if metafiction isn’t your thing then stay away. But for those kindred quirksters out there, this is for you. Oh, did I mention that Patrick McDonnell is a Caldecott Honor artist?
Don’t take my word for how entertaining this book is, have a flip through yourself. If it’s meant to be, you’ll probably know the minute you see the cover (or, you know, just look at the top of this review.)
Title: A Perfectly Messed-Up Story
Author/Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316222587
For ages: 5 – 9
Type: Picture Book
