My Dog Is As Smelly As Dirty Socks

April 30, 2007
When it comes to really nailing the essence of a loved one, argues the girl who narrates Piven’s (What Presidents Are Made Of) latest collage confection, the truly committed artist must eschew paper and pencil and turn instead to the found object. Thus, the full stinkiness of Schmutz, the girl’s dog, comes alive in an assemblage that includes real socks for ears, garlic for eyes, an onion for the tail and pepperoni for a nose. “Yucky-Boo!” announces the girl as the dachshund-like doggie is revealed. “I warned you.” The girl’s self-portrait is a veritable catalogue of objects, from the obligatory crown to a magnifying glass (for curiosity). Some of the rationales for objects don’t sound very kid-like—dad’s mouth, the girl explains, was inspired by his tendency to be “as stubborn as a KNOT in a ROPE.” But Piven astutely captures the restless imagination and unsparing self-criticism that defines the budding artist; the girl dismisses her own drawing of her mother with a curt, “Sorry, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.” This invitation for readers to create portraits of “your special family”—Piven even throws in a few suggestions for things that suggest qualities like “smart” and “funny”—is certain to get a prompt RSVP. Ages 4-8.

Starred review from June 1, 2007
Gr 2-4 -Filled with plays on words and similes, this delightful offering will encourage children's creativity. The narrator makes a line drawing of her family but explains that it doesn't do them justice. "And what about this drawing of my mom? Sorry, but it doesn't tell the whole story. My mommy is as soft as the softest FLUFF and as bright as the brightest LIGHT." This section ends, "That's my yummy mommy!" The gouache-and-watercolor illustrations are embellished with glued-on objects like a lightbulb for a nose, a croissant for a mouth, and a boa for hair, in this case on Mom. The pictures support the text and add to the subtext. The book ends with an invitation to readers to create images of their families. Younger children will enjoy the story, but older kids will love the nuances, the opportunity for individuality, and the challenge of portraying their own relatives in this style. An author's note describes a workshop that Piven conducted for children hospitalized with cancer; their wonderful creations adorn the endpapers.Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.