Shelf Awareness--Imogene Comes Back!

PB Review: Imogene Comes Back!

Imogene Comes Back! by David Small (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 40p., ages 3-7, 9780593123744, September 15, 2020)

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 morereasons 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.

Shelf Talker: Thirty-five years after Imogene first delighted readers with antlers and a peacock tail, she's back--and, happily, she's more peculiar than ever!