Crazy in Poughkeepsie, by Daniel Pinkwater; Aaron Renier illustrator (Tachyon)
It’s difficult to
find words to describe a Daniel Pinkwater book because they are a unique breed
that defies the usual literary terminology: they’re enchanting (often
literally), playful, spontaneous (as in combustion, upon occasion), and
hilarious-yet-insightful. In other words, a Daniel Pinkwater book provides the
occasion for parents wrestling the copy from their kids, and vice versa, so why
not avoid bloodshed, or paper-shred, and read them aloud together?
Mick’s ordinary life
comes to a screeching 180 degree turn when his older brother returns home from Tibet
with Guru Lumpo Smythe-Finkel and his dog, Lhasa, and Mick finds himself—how,
he’s never entirely clear—the guru’s new disciple. Guru, disciple, and magical
dog set off on a quest that’s as notable for its vagueness as its
unpredictability. They acquire fellow travelers, graffiti-fanatic Verne and Molly,
a Dwergish girl (sort of like leprechaun trolls with hidden goals, magical
powers, a gift for making friends, and a charmingly madcap sense of humor).
Soon they’re cavorting with a ghost whale who is the essence of love, as well
as other wacky and memorable characters.
Pinkwater’s in on a
great secret: if you want to communicate wisdom to young readers, first make them
smile. Or giggle. Or run wild in Poughkeepsie, as the case may be.
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