Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Marzipan Pig by Russell Hoban, ill. Quentin Blake
If one were to attempt a Valentine’s Day podcast episode (or, in this case, a day-after-Valentine’s-Day-post) involving romance, what picture book would you choose? Or, to be a little more precise, what classic picture book best embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day? We’re pretty sure it wouldn’t be this book, but that’s just because sentient candy oinkers aren’t really an American thing. We’ve done two Russell Hoban books on this podcast already (Bread and Jam for Frances and Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas) so why not just top it off with a third? The most notable aspect of this book? I think it finally broke Kate’s brain.
Listen to the whole show here on Soundcloud or download it through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, PlayerFM, or your preferred method of podcast selection.
Show Notes:
In the show, I promise to show you Posankka, the mix of a marzipan pig mixed with a rubber ducky. I’m including it here, but even seeing it here just . . . it just . . . wow.
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When I think of this Pig, I think about how it wants to be eaten like the cow in the Restaurant at the End of the Universe.
Tell me your day isn’t at least slightly improved by this Quentin Blake image of an owl dancing in the street.
Not good enough? Try a dancing bee then!
I reference the very odd film adaptation they made of today’s book. As I say on the podcast, I used to show this to the small children around Valentine’s Day at the Jefferson Market Branch of NYPL. I couldn’t find the full film online, but I have at least found the beginning. This gives you a taste of its strange and wonderful start:
And this is the link from listener Erin of two sisters going through real estate listings. Thanks, Erin!
Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
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I find it hilarious that the Marzipan Pig video is age-restricted on YouTube, and I have to log in to watch it. This acid trip is not for kids!
Get outta town, really? Oh, that’s rich.
I was able to watch the full film on Kanopy.– specifically, Kanopy Kids. I wonder what that says…
Two parallels come to mind. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. And Woody wailing “I’m a lost toy!” in the Toy Story movie.