Spaghetti

“Two pencil stubs make a terrific pair of stilts, an uncooked strand of spaghetti supports an attractive Alexander Calder–like mobile made up of odds and ends, and so on. . . . Brown’s paean to creativity comes with a built-in game of “I spy”: Her delicate digitally assembled mixed-media art features a banquet of repurposed everyday objects that readers can enjoy trying to identify . . . . It’s all in good fun—and good conscience.” —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

“The darling story scores high marks in both coziness and creativity, from Spaghetti’s meticulous mouse hole to his fanciful inventions, and budding artists or inventors will particularly relish his unusual approach. The softly textured pencil, oil paint, and print illustrations are adorable, and it’s impossible not to smile at Spaghetti contentedly lounging on his favorite pasta. An enormously appealing entreaty to find beauty and inspiration in every corner.” —Booklist

“Spaghetti’s self-assurance allows him to persist, even when others fail to recognize the importance of his vocations. At the same time, he is as flexible as a strand of spaghetti, letting young readers know that being true to oneself doesn’t require dismissing other viewpoints. Best of all, he succeeds in combining three different values: collecting, creativity, and love for his family.” —Imaginary Elevators