First, let’s all be pronouncing his name correctly, which I hadn’t been for years and years until I listened to this. 

Jon brings such a manic glee and joy to children’s literature.  As a children’s librarian many years ago, I loved putting his books into the hands of skeptical older children and seeing their faces light up when they read the first pages.  There was an instant kinship, a connection, a silliness.  His books are infectious in the very best way.   Ideally shared with others, they spread viral laughter everywhere.

Better than handing the books to children was to get the opportunity to read them aloud to third through fifth graders.  Those grades where pulling a picture book out of your bad draws groans and an assumption that you don’t understand them.  A misapprehension that disappears as it is replaced with delight.

They are part of my never-fail pile, my go-to books that speak to everyone and light up the room.

So Bravo Jon Scieszka.  Bravo!