Thursday, October 30, 2014

Sam and Dave Dig A Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

"... there's moments where a story, no matter how strange, has some semblance of the truth and then you're able to believe it - it's not just kids who can get there, adults can too and we get there when we read...."

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole is another wonderful picture book that works for children and adults alike. Jon Klassen, award winning author-illustrator's coloured pencil and digitally created illustrations fill in the extra details to the story of two men digging a hole, only to miss the mother-lode of a diamond and many other treasures along the way, but to find what seems like a smaller treasure.

The chocolate-milk-swigging Dave and animal cookie-connoisseur Sam dig and dig, and then just when they are close (and don't know it) they make the momentous decision to change direction. Each time they make a decision to try something new, they miss a grand discovery but that doesn't really matter because they are in it together. They appear to end up in the place they started but things are different, because of the journey, because of what they went through.

Perhaps a subtle message to stay the course, enjoy the journey and enjoy whatever the result. I really loved this book with the wonderful drawings that bring out the rest of the story.

Mac Barnett is a best-selling author of books for children. His book Extra Yarn was a 2013 Caldecott Honor book.

The zippy zany book trailer starring Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen can be watched below:





Book Details:
Same And Dave Dig A Hole by Mac Barnett
Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press    2014


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