October 2, 2012
Frank'n'Stan, by M.P.Robertson
In this new picture book, Frank, a boy who longs to have a
kid brother to play with, decides to build himself one. Blueprints are drawn,
scrap metal parts are assembled and, with a click of its nose switch, Stan, the
robot, comes alive.
Stan is Frank’s best friend and he even fits in as a family
member, helping with household chores. Then, one day, Mom has a surprise for
Frank: A new baby sister, named Mary. As little Mary grows, she gets all the
attention and by the time she turns two, Stan the robot feels left out and, one
night, he leaves.
Frank’n’Stan wears
its Frankenstein references proudly. The boy’s name is Franklin P. Shelley, his
sister is Mary. Frank finds parts at Byron’s junkyard, and there’s a copy of Frankenstein at his elbow, on his drafting table, when he draws
up his plan. When Stan leaves, it’s winter, and Frank will travel through snow
and storm to find and bring home his robot brother. The winter scene search for
Stan clearly echoes Frankenstein’s
arctic pursuit.
British writer and artist M.P.Robertson’s books for children
include The Egg — it hatched a dragon! —
and its sequels. Robertson works in a traditional, realistic style that suits
this Frankenstein story to perfection, with lots of details drawn in for young
readers (of all ages!) to pore over. Try spotting where the cat is on every
page.
Frank’n’Stan is 32
pages, all in color. The black and white illustration shown here, a lovely
Frankenstein reference, is from the end papers.
Frank’n’Stan by
M.P.Robertson is aimed at readers 5 and up. It is published by Frances Lincoln
Children’s Books.
• 06:00
Labels: Art and Illustration, Books
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2 comments:
The details did, indeed, drawn in this young reader of some age.
I love how they wove in all the references :D .
The black and white image reminds me of Bernie Wrightson's illustrations.
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