By Claude Ponti
Translated from the French by Alyson Waters and Margot Kerlidou
Published by Elsewhere Editions, May, 2022
Buy it HERE
Review
Ponti is a genius and Waters and Kerlidou are brilliant translators. T and I can't get enough of Ponti's art and unique storytelling! T was delighted by Blaze and the Castle Cake for Bertha Daye, poured over illustrations, copied two chicklets' joke insufferably, and read this repeatedly. I found him more than once stomach-down on the floor, examining one page in particular, the one that features a vast array of illustrated characters from past decades. He was busy with his own personal seek-and-find activity, identifying all the characters he knew and where he knew them from. Keep in mind that T is moving past picture books (you pretty much see every picture book we read at this point). Ponti, and this book in particular, is one artist whose appeal knows no age limit. I, too, was charmed by the illustrations and enjoyed seeing old characters. I was tickled by the story, which is incredibly cute. (The chicklets have to bake an epic cake for an upcoming party.) The world of the chicklets stretches the audience's imagination while prompting readers enjoy not only the story but also analyze the chicklets' society and reflect on how the media we consume shapes our perceptions as we grow. Taken together, the art and story show a mind-bending creativity and attention to detail, as well as a keen critique of society.
Review
Ponti is a genius and Waters and Kerlidou are brilliant translators. T and I can't get enough of Ponti's art and unique storytelling! T was delighted by Blaze and the Castle Cake for Bertha Daye, poured over illustrations, copied two chicklets' joke insufferably, and read this repeatedly. I found him more than once stomach-down on the floor, examining one page in particular, the one that features a vast array of illustrated characters from past decades. He was busy with his own personal seek-and-find activity, identifying all the characters he knew and where he knew them from. Keep in mind that T is moving past picture books (you pretty much see every picture book we read at this point). Ponti, and this book in particular, is one artist whose appeal knows no age limit. I, too, was charmed by the illustrations and enjoyed seeing old characters. I was tickled by the story, which is incredibly cute. (The chicklets have to bake an epic cake for an upcoming party.) The world of the chicklets stretches the audience's imagination while prompting readers enjoy not only the story but also analyze the chicklets' society and reflect on how the media we consume shapes our perceptions as we grow. Taken together, the art and story show a mind-bending creativity and attention to detail, as well as a keen critique of society.
I wholeheartedly recommend Blaze and the Castle Cake for Bertha Daye!
Note: A review copy was provided upon request for the purpose of this honest review.
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