Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Rainbabies by Laura Krauss Melmed, ill. Jim LaMarche

Let the record show that Kate cut out a very long discussion of how much I dislike bidets from the beginning of this podcast (and I disagree with this choice but, to be honest, it was a kind of an odd way to start a children’s literature podcast episode). Today’s book, while it does involve butts, is more about teeny tiny babies. We discuss hot bidet seats, what Jim LaMarche owes to Chris Van Allsburg, adorable weasels, and more.

Listen to the whole show here on Soundcloud or download it through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, PlayerFM, Audible, Amazon Music, or your preferred method of podcast selection.

Show Notes:

As Kate points out, the Instagram account @newspapersillustrated is gonna LOVE this first image in the book.

I do agree with book that these folks do not immediately strike me as an “old man” and an “old woman” but this is sort of a folktale trope. They look like they’re in their 50s, not at death’s door.

Wait… she just woke him up, in the middle of the night, to go outside and stand in the freezing cold rain? And they’re still married?!?

For the record Kate is VERY disturbed by the fact that these babies have bellybuttons.

We also love that this couple just happens to have a bunch of wooden shoes hanging about the house.

The text says that the boat was drawn into a “foaming whirlpool.” But clearly Jim LaMarche thought whirlpools were exponentially less exciting than tidal waves, in spite of written words. Sure.

Due to the fact that my own picture book Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme is out next month, I’ve gotten to thinking about weasels in picture books. But THIS book is the first time I’ve seen one on the picture book page!

Kate Recommends: Colourmost.com

Betsy Recommends: Rewatching The Royal Tenenbaums

Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate