We’re number one! We’re number one! No, I’m not talking about the fighting Rangers of Northwest; although, they are having a good season. I’m talking about you and me. Fellow Mississippians, we are the fattest state in the whole Nation.
For three years running, Mississippi has been number one on the F as in Fat poll conducted by the Trust for America’s Health. Yippee! I feel good knowing I’m doing my part. Matter-of-fact, one can pin a “Wide Load” sign to my backside and hire a couple of escorts with flags. Bah!
Don’t feel too bad, obesity rates are increasing all across the United States. Even the lowest rated, Colorado, jumped one percent this year. Our wonderful furry pets seem to be in on the competition as well. My favorite dog is so big she resembles a seal, all blubber with flipper paws.
Author and illustrator, Peter McCarty, recognizes the trend in chunky pets. His new series sports two such chunksters: Hondo the dog and Fabian the cat. They are adorably illustrated with massive bodies and stumpy paws. It is in the expressions on their faces where one falls in love.
In McCarty’s first book, Hondo & Fabian, Hondo is allowed outdoors to play while Fabian must deal with baby. Hum, who will have more fun? As you can imagine, Hondo dives into the waves and Fabian dives for cover. In the end, the buddies are reunited around their food dishes, “full and fat.”
In Fabian Escapes, it’s the cat’s turn to be outdoors. As Hondo returns from his walk, Fabian sneaks past for a clean getaway. Once outside, she meets the neighborhood dogs who love to play chase. Baby also likes to play chase and dress-up. Who will get their nap first, as both pets coward in safe hiding places?
These are delightful books to share with young readers; especially, those with, um, bigger pets. The faces they make while in the custody of baby are priceless and might teach a little empathy.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Hondo & Fabian (copy)
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13 comments:
I love the covers, Maggie. I have so much admiration for illustrators and particularly illustrators of children's books...these look delightful.
Me, too Jenclair! I'm always thrilled to find a new illustrator. I would love to read an interview on his technique. Just how does he create the smokey effect, and his shapes are so orginal. I've loved two pets that were on the girthy side and Hondo and Fabian are perfect representations, just the wrong color! Oh, and the storyline is fun yet meaningful. You could use it to teach the concept of in/out or possibly empathy through walking in one's paws. Good stuff! :D
Great drawings!!! Hey, I slimmed down my dog 10 lbs by feeding her home made dog food. Her weight now is healthy, and the vet is thrilled but my mother thinks I am not feeding her enough
Oh, the art is AMAZING!
And as we do have a rather portly beagle on our hands (though he has lost 5 pounds so far this year...go Baker!), maybe the kiddos and I ought to search these out.
I loved the first book! Is it just me, or do they look a bit "girthier" in the second?
Incidentally, Fred (my furry son) is able to eat as much as he wants; he just runs it all off. I need to take some lessons from him!
Diane - When I read your blog it seems like you are just finishing or in the process of making dog stew for her. Is this a daily chore or do you whip-up a batch every week? I would love to get our hounds off of the bag! :)
I think the kiddos would love them. Fabian Escapes is rather new, but I hope your local library has Hondo & Fabian. Go Baker! Hard to get if off once it starts to accumulate, um, like snow. :)
I like the second one even better, Tiffany. Fabian playing chase with the neighborhood dogs, too funny! I was thinking about getting back into running. can I borrow Fred? :)
Your right, Tiffany! They are chunkier! :D
We'll drop him off on our way to Alabama over Thanksgiving. ;)
interesting, but sound a little young for my 4th grader animal lover who reads on an 8th grade level.
My dog lost what appears to be ten pounds over the past month--he's shedding and he always goes from looking chunky to looking malnourished.
I put my review of Martin Clark's "Mobile Home Living" up a few days ago.
Awe that looks really cute!
Maggie - I make a big pot every weekend!
We have a copy of Hondo and Fabian, and my two-year-old loves it! I love the pictures, too :)
Thanks Tiffany, I'll be on the lookout. :)
Hum Sage, do you think your pooch is a yo-yo dieter? ;)
Way too easy for a fourth grader, but pure fun and she might get a kick out of them...
Pete, enjoyed TMAofMHL and thought it was along the lines of rough south. He read Plain Heathen when it came out and enjoyed it, too. Looking forward to Mr. Clark's new legal thriller...
Myutopia, they are!
Cool, thanks for answering Diane. ;)
He will just adore Fabian Escapes then, Gentle Reader. Great to hear of the many children reading or enjoying books! Way to go bloggers! :D
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