Sunday, February 27, 2011

Dirtball Pete

by Eileen Brennan. 32 pages.
Dirtball Pete is filthy. And smelly. It was a fact. But Pete's mom is determined he will be clean and shiny for his appearance as Pennsylvania in the school pageant, THE FIFTY STATES AND WHY THE'RE GREAT! Devoid of the dirt, detritus and his smelly pet ferret, Pete's mom proclaims him the handsomest Pennsylvania ever. But when the wind snatches Pete's speech out of his hand once he gets to the schoolyard, Pete has no choice but to chase it down through flower beds, a trash can and bushes. Despite his appearance (and smell), Pete makes a most positive impression on the audience, helping his family and community understand that regardless of appearance and smell, Pete is a very special boy. And that was a fact.
Brennan's simple and retro-looking art is perfect for this story and it's wonderful cadence.

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