Each day as we count down to the April 18 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2015 Children’s Literature finalist Mike Wohnoutka.
The Story of an Unlikely Friendship
Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster by Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Holiday House
Category Sponsor: Books For Africa
With lively illustrations and a heartwarming ending, Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster tells the story of an energetic little dog who wants someone to play with him. Finding just the right someone, however, proves to be a challenge: the children are off at school, the sleeping man is too lazy, and the cat is much too boring. The little puppy is despondent until he spies a big green monster reading on a bench. The monster seems mean. Can the puppy cheer him up and make a new friend? Words and illustrations work impressively together to tell the story of a persistent puppy that energetically and relentlessly pursues friendship all the way through to the book’s heartwarming end.
About the author:
Mike Wohnoutka has illustrated more than 20 books for children, including Moo!, winner of the 2014 Minnesota Book Award for Children’s Literature. His other titles have won numerous awards, including the National Jewish Book Award, Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, and the Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Mike lives with his wife and two children in Minneapolis.
Links
Visit Mike Wohnoutka’s website
The reviews are in:
“Little Puppy’s persistence wins him an unexpected friend. Throughout, softly sweet, cartoonish illustrations depict the intrepid puppy and the big green monster, both of whom are quite cute in very different ways, with an emphasis on scale; that monster sure is big. Vignettes convey the slapstick of the interactions, while full- and double-page spreads emphasize emotion. This sweet story of new, unusual friendship is sure to elicit plenty of giggles.“
—Kirkus Reviews
“Mike Wohnoutka captures the spirit of childhood play with sweet and playful illustrations and a fun combination of unexpected characters. A great read—and an even better re-read.”—MN Book Awards judges
A Six Year Old Reviews Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster
Join us at the Awards Gala!
Award winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Gala on Saturday, April 18 at the historic St. Paul Union Depot. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available by visiting www.thefriends.org/gala.
Have you read Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster? What are your thoughts? We welcome your comments!