Early Reader Review: Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle and Anna Pirolli

Source: From  Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle and Anna Pirolli 

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date: February 9, 2021 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Animal-friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a name: Anonymouse. For fans of Sidewalk Flowers and Art & Max.

Art for the birds.

Art for the ants.

Art for the dogs, cats and raccoons.

Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home.

But who is creating it?

Only Anonymouse knows for sure . . .

This clever tale mixes street art, animals and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature's spirit -- human or animal -- when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli's stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of colour and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle's subtle but evocative text. 

Review: 

Anonymouse is a children's book about a mouse that is creating art all over the city in a sneaky way. It is mostly a picture book for younger readers with large image spreads and bright pink throughout to showcase Anonymouse's artwork. 

I enjoy children's books about art, I think that they begin their journey into art in a fun and enlightening way. This book is essentially a showcase of art like that of  Banksy, who uses this pseudonym to 'tag' or spray paint in public areas in order to create satirical pieces for the masses. Here the little mouse is using his art to go some of the same things. He shows missing trees in a park, satellite dishes as giant flowers, and targets for doggie potty time. 

While the book does not spell it out, the mouse is emphasizing issues around him and the other animals are inspired.  So why only 3 stars? Well, if you don't know about Banksy and that background, this book could be confusing. It is also hard to explain to young readers that the mouse has essentially defaced these items to get a point across and how that is good for the point he is trying to make, but actually illegal. I think it is a great introduction into the world of  underground art for young readers, but has a few hiccups in the explanations that might have to occur along the way.

I would like to add this book permanently to my collection of art books, but my review is for those looking for children's books to spread knowledge and enrichment. This book does both of those, but I am not sure it is the message some would like to share with their youth until they have a better understanding of right and wrong and all they grey in between.