The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Pete With No Pants
by Rowboat Watkins

This week's pick is from Cottager Anika Denise.  

What it's all about...
Pete is on mission to answer life's oldest question: Why do I have to wear pants? And the second oldest: Who am I? In his quest for answers, Pete considers that he might be a boulder, a squirrel, a cloud, or perhaps a giant pigeon? (All of whom flout customary pants-wearing traditions.)

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Rowboat Watkins is at his quirky finest in this silly tale, which perfectly captures a little kid's penchant for nakey-ness, knock-knock jokes, and a blissful freedom from modesty — before pesky pants-wearing adults interfere.

My favorite line(s)...
Let's see...
I'm GRAY
Check.
I'm NUTS about acorns.
Check.
And I'm NOT wearing pants.
YUP!
I'm a squirrel!

My favorite illustration(s)...

Why kids will love it...
For its unabashed silliness! The naked truth? Pantlessness is just plain funny. Especially when you're three.

Why grown-ups will love it...
If you have ever chased down a toddler streaking bare-bummed through the backyard while you are entertaining guests, or trying to get him or her to bed, or on a video conference call with your boss in Indonesia, you will appreciate this book. And even if you haven't, Watkins' adorable illustrations and hilarious banter will charm the pants off ya'.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

RUDE CAKES

by Rowboat Watkins

(Chronicle, June 2, 2015)

This week's pick is from Cottager, Anika Denise

What it's all about...

Who knew that cakes were so rude?! In this deliciously entertaining book, a not-so-sweet cake—who never says please or thank you or listens to its parents—gets its just desserts.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Because it's funny, original and the story takes a quirky, unexpected turn. (Full disclosure: I received an advance copy from the publisher, but this book stood out among the stack. I just had to read it—and then my kids had to read it, and then we all read it again and again.)

Our favorite line…
"They also think baths are dumb

Seriously, I'm a cake, how dirty can I be?

and that bedtime is for donut holes."

Our favorite illustrations…

Why kids will love it... 
Super-cute illustrations, quirky humor and a surprise twist will have kids giggling from the words "rude cakes." Like Drew Daywalt's lovable, irreverent Crayons, we predict Watkins' canny confections will capture the hearts of kids around the world.

Why grown-ups will love it…
It's a totally fresh and funny take on a manners book, fun to read aloud, and charming. Plus, we like that the author goes by his nickname, Rowboat. Anyone named Rowboat must be a cool dude.