That's Good, That's Bad

That's good, that's bad
Joan M. Lexau ~ Aliki ~ The Dial Press, 1963

First off, I want to apologize too for being so 60s focused of late. Though that is my favorite era, I do try and keep an even mix on here. I promise some 70s and 80s in the next couple of days and next week while I'm on vacation, I am (hopefully) gonna have some guest posts that will get you back to the 40s and 50s, so stay tuned. In the meantime...

With a theme slightly similar to Fortunately, the dire nature of this story is a hit with my son in that anytime he thinks something bad is going to happen and then it doesn't.... well, he goes mad with laughter. Go figure.

So there is this little boy, see...

Boy was just sitting on a rock in the jungle when along came Tiger. "Run," said Tiger. "And I will run after you. And I will catch you. And I will eat you, Boy. So run from me."

Boy just sat there and looked at Tiger. "Eat me then," said Boy. "I have no more run in me."

Boy goes on to tell Tiger a tale of horror and woe and uplift involving a rhino, a crocodile and a surprise ending that always gets my son screaming, no matter how many times he's heard it. Simple pictures. Simple story. Spot on.

Aliki fans will dig it as here she is at her most primary. I didn't scan the back of the book, but let's just say the drawing of the grumpy rhino with his black/blue skin, white line frown and yellow eyes is about one of the coolest animal illustrations ever. Fun little 49 cent find for sure.

Also by:
Oh Lord I Wish I Was a Buzzard
This is the House Where Jack Lives
Keep Your Mouth Closed, Dear