I just finished listening to Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) and illustrated by the wonderfully imaginative Maira Kalman. I am so glad that I read the back cover thoroughly and learned that all of the illustrations were included in the audio version in a PDF on the last disc of the book.
This is important because while I could picture the egg-cuber in my mind, it was not until I saw the drawing of Greta's Cubed Egg Igloo that I could fully understand where the cucumbers fit into the whole equation. And no, I do not plan to make one anytime soon, but in the event that I should need such a recipe, I would certainly want to make it look just like the one in the book.
After the story ends there is a GREAT conversation on the CD between the author and illustrator about how the whole collaboration came together. I would have thought Maira did the illustrations after hearing the story but actually she wanted to draw small objects that would fit in a box and Daniel wrote the story around that. How crazy genius is that?
Highly recommended. Great little read. It will make you wish you had handled your last break up just the way Min did. Even if it was 35 (or more) years ago. Dear Annie: please tell your 15 year old daughter I am awaiting her next recommendation.
Will do. Glad you liked it as much as we did.
Posted by: Annie | 11/14/2014 at 05:01 PM