I was only going to review one out of the five Ben Clanton books, but I could not decide which one I enjoyed the most! So, rather than review a specific book, I thought I would just introduce you to Mr. Clanton and why you should request all of his books from your local library or splurge and buy them through my Bookshop.
“Mud between my toes! Mud in my nose!” - Rot
Ben Clanton is a writer and illustrator or, as he calls himself, an “authorstrator”. That is the just one part of the Clanton’s sense of humor. His website might be my favorite because it looks like it’s been typed on a fresh piece of really good paper.
I stumbled upon his books when I was looking for a grip of books for my newly-independent reader, our 7-year-old son. His big sister has read through most of Dav Pilkey and Mo Willems so when I found, through Scholastic, Clanton’s Narwhal and Jelly books I thought he’d give them a chance.
Gold. The Narwhal and Jelly series is absolute gold.
Our son read each book to his little sister and they laughed, laughed, laughed.
The two just read the Rot books tonight and, yes, another gold-filled mine.
“Why is everybody copying me?!” - Mo
Ben Clanton is funny. His books are funny and unexpected, I would say. Who thinks they’re going to enjoy a book about a mutant potato or a fashion-forward monster? Not me! Not even a thought of a story topic, but Clanton does not think like the rest of us and thank goodness for that! With his unique ideas, Clanton teaches (especially with Rot and Mo - the fashion-forward monster) to be yourself. This message usually drives me nuts because I don’t believe in the “you be you” falsehood; however, Clanton has created characters that realize with the help of others that who they aren’t isn’t all that bad.
Rot finds his courage through “help” from his brother.
Mo, from his friends, figures out that imitation is a form of a compliment.
“Rawry.” - Rex
If you have a toddler that loves to tackle the latest building block city, I highly suggest Rex Wrecks It! The title pretty much explains it all, but, again, Rex realizes through his friends that demolition isn’t always the first or right thing to do.
“Dear Mailbox, You send the best mail. I would it if you sent me a GAZILLION more things.” - Liam
It Came In The Mail may be my favorite. I think it’s because my family loves to give and receive things in the mail. Amazon is one thing, but something sent through the post is the best! Liam, our main character, also loves to get mail. While playing with his friend, Jamel, he comes up with a brilliant idea and heinous things arise. It’s fun. It is so much fun and as you read along the book is about giving to others. It teaches that too much stuff - even if it’s all your dreams come true - is not the best thing.