Fuse 8 n’ Kate: So Much! by Trish Cooke, ill. Helen Oxenbury

Here on the podcast we are constantly in search of those children’s books that represent a variety of backgrounds and identities that have not been sufficiently praised in the past. Today we’re dipping into the BBC’s list of 100 Greatest Children’s Books of All Time and as a result we’re doing our first Helen Oxenbury title. Bonus: It’s also our first Trish Cooke! This book works as a magnificent readloud as well as a lapsit book. And, as Kate so often requires, the art is packed full with tiny details you might otherwise miss. Woot!

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Show Notes:

Curious about the BBC list of 100 Greatest Children’s Books? Be prepared for some white white inclusions with the occasional exception (like today’s book!).

Interested in Windrush Generation picture books out right now? Check these out:

Windrush Child: The Tale of a Caribbean Child Who Faced a New Horizon by John Agard, ill. Sophie Bass

Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush by Patrice Lawrence, ill. Camila Sucre

And might I add, if Trish Cooke ever chose to write picture books for kids again, I think I know precisely which story I would like to see!

Literally had to figure out what Kate meant when she talked about the ancient YouTube series Teen Girl Squad. It is a very very significant thing that I still consider the slang in this video up-to-date:

Here is the sole image in this book that Kate did not appreciate. It’s something to do with the top of the toes and the sole of the foot appearing in the same shot, I think.

That first image aside, Kate has some serious appreciation for the footwear in this book. Behold the details!!

Kate was highly disturbed by these faux children’s books featured on these pages. Oxenbury is giving special attention to footwear here and yet keeps the books cameoed anonymous.

Nannie and Gran-Gran offer intriguing possibilities. I really like the idea that they are two married women who are grandmothers to this baby. Forward thinking indeed!

Bit of a Sendakian reference here.

The mystery of daddy’s missing tie. One minute he’s home without a tie…

Next minute he’s together and the tie is on!

Butt crack alert!!!

An illustrator who cares is the illustrator that thinks through her characters’ lives and awkward moments. This shot of the bra strap against the upper back means Oxenbury cared about the art in this book.

Kate Recommends:

Drag Me to Dinner as seen here:

Betsy Recommends:

The Way Home : A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family With Over 100 Recipes by Kardea Brown

Particularly the recipe for cheesecake!!

Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate