Cannonball Simp

Poor little Simp. Fat and small, with just a stump for a tail, this puppy is abandoned at a dump, where even the rats turn her away. She wanders through town, trying to find food or friends, but is thwarted at every turn. What's an ugly puppy to do? Barely escaping the clutches of the dogcatcher, Simp sees lights in the distance--salvation at the circus? Simp lives the quintessential fairy tale: the ugly duckling (or ragged household drudge, orphaned child, differently nosed reindeer) finds ultimate vengeance, happiness, and even fame through perseverance and gumption. Young readers will be glad to discover that there's a place for everyone in the world, even if hardships must be endured along the way. The unusual, dark, sometimes moody illustrations are striking, and there are new details to discover with every reading. Winner of many awards for his stunning illustrated children's books, including Cloudland and Hey! Get Off Our Train, John Burningham creates a classic with Cannonball Simp. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter