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ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: MIND CONTROL!
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PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.jamesburks.com/
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COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 275
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Male.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Author and illustrator. Animator for Nickelodeon; film work includes The Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, and The Iron Giant and television programs Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, The Dinosaur Train, Bravest Warriors, and Fat Boy and Chum Chum.
AVOCATIONS:Running.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
AWARDS:Maryland Black-eyed Susan Award nomination, 2013, for Gabby and Gator.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
James Burks spent over fifteen years as a film and television animation artist for entertainment giants Nickelodeon and Disney before launching his career as a children’s book author and illustrator. Burks’s gentle morality tales introduce a zoo-full of appealing animal characters and often feature an opposites-attract motif. For example, in his debut picture book Gabby and Gator, a shy and bullied red-headed vegetarian helps an alligator overcome his aquaphobia. A reviewer for Publishers Weekly appreciated the core lesson Burks imparts here: “Accept yourself for who you are and find friends who do the same.”
Burks focuses on friendship in his “Bird and Squirrel” books. In Bird and Squirrel on the Run! the fearless and garrulous Bird seems to dominate his more hesitant friend Squirrel, who is usually engaged in hoarding behaviors while anticipating the worst possible outcome to any situation. When an ominous cat begins stalking the normally unflappable Bird, the friends decide to head south for the winter. “The character design is astounding,” remarked a Kirkus Reviews contributor in reviewing Bird and Squirrel on the Run! , and in School Library Journal Rita Meade commented that the “brightly colored panels and cartoon artwork attract the eye and complement the engaging, fast-paced story.” Writing in Booklist, Courtney Jones asserted of Bird and Squirrel on the Run! that Burks’s “warm, engaging art has the same vibrant energy of a beloved Saturday morning cartoon,” and he continues the story of his engaging characters in Bird and Squirrel on Ice.
Another unlikely pair star in Beep and Bah. When Beep the robot finds Bah the sheep munching on an old sock, he decides that they should embark upon an epic journey to find the other sock in the pair. Their trek takes them around the globe as well as under the sea. Beep and Bah “is awash in fanciful colors, quirky backdrops, kid humor … wonderful expressions, and plenty of action,” asserted Catherine Callegari in School Library Journal, and a Kirkus Reviews writer lauded Burks’s mix of “an improbably compelling quest” and an adventure rife with enough “slapstick, comical mishaps, jokes and general silliness to make anyone want to invite themselves along.”
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Third in the “Bird & Squirrel” series, the Bird & Squirrel on the Edge! graphic novel finds the confident and in charge Bird and the scared of everything Squirrel on an adventure in the mountains. When they see a pair of wolves menacing a baby bear, Squirrel tries to help by pelting the wolves with acorns, but one goes astray and hits Bird in the head. Their roles are reversed as Bird forgets who he is and Squirrel must be the brave one to rescue the cub and avoid the wolves. “The story propels the reader through lots of action and humor,” noted Kat Kan in Booklist, while a Kirkus Reviews contributor said: “Burks has adroitly managed to infuse it with a rollicking pace, cutely quirky characters, and lively illustrations.”
Burks illustrated the chapter book Haggis and Tank Unleashed: All Paws on Deck, written by Jessica Young. Two puppy pals are playing pirate. Great Dane Tank is the bootleg and Scottie Haggis is the captain as their wagon is the ship. They dig for treasure, find squeaky toy sea serpents, and defy danger. “Burks’ plentiful, full-color art is consistently engaging, incorporating dialogue bubbles as well as regular typeset prose,” observed a Kirkus Reviews critic.
Itty Bitty Kitty, written by Joan Holub, finds little Ava asking her parents for a cat, but the answer is a resounding no. Ava soon finds a tiny kitten she names Itty Bitty and takes it home, until it grows to an enormous size. Her parents find the cat and demand she get rid of it, until Itty Bitty prevents her baby brother from falling down the stairs, and her parents reconsider. Despite the run-of-the-mill kid-wants-a-pet tale, a Kirkus Reviews contributor praised “Burks’ bright, digital cartoon illustrations in all their big-eyed, Chuck Jones-esque glory.”
Burks illustrated Willy Maykit in Space, written by Greg Trine, about a kid’s school trip to another planet. The son of a great adventurer, Willy can’t wait to visit Planet Ed with his class. But when they get there, Willy goes off exploring on his own and misses the ride back home. Stranded with him on the strange planet is Cindy, the prettiest girl in class, and a friendly green alien named Norp. As they wait for rescue, they must survive attacks by sunglass wearing hairy aliens. Readers “who like to laugh often will most likely find Willy’s story peppered with just enough silly humor…to keep the pages turning,” said a Kirkus Reviews critic. In Booklist, Julia Smith reported: “Silliness prevails in this interplanetary adventure and will leave young readers cackling over slapstick humor.”
Sharing is the theme in Pigs and a Blanket, when Henry and Henrietta pig don’t like sharing their blanket. The siblings have one perfect blanket between them that is soft, smells good, and can be used as a cape, play monster truck on, and read under. But when they fight over it, the blanket rips in two, giving each pig its own smaller blanket. Even though they’re free now to go off and do what they want with their portion of the blanket, the realize that it was more fun when they were playing with it together. So they try to put the two halves back together again. “All the action in this slight tale comes to life in the detailed cartoon illustrations of their activities and accouterments, rendered in colorful hues,” according to a Kirkus Reviews critic. In Booklist, Anita Lock praised “Burks’ eye-catching and action-packed scenes, particularly the appealingly blocky, bubble-gum-pink protagonists.”
Henry and Henrietta pig are back in When Pigs Fly, when Henry wants to be the first pig to fly. As he tries a variety of methods, such as taped-on carboard wings, riding a kite, using balloons and feathers, and even a trampoline, each attempt ends in a spectacular crash landing. Henrietta has the perfect solution when she uses special effects from her movie making hobby to show Henry flying. A writer in Kirkus Reviews observed: “Burks’ enthusiastic tale of porcine perseverance is told entirely in dialogue between its pink, porky principals.”
The two-book “Agent 9” series begins with Flood-a-Geddon! in which the feline Super-Secret Spy Service (S4) Agent 9 is known for causing extensive collateral damage when she saves the world from maniacal villains. Now Agent 9 and her robot sidekick FiN must stop supervillain King Crab who wants to melt the polar ice caps so he can open a water park. In book 2, Mind Control!, Agent 9, who usually works alone, is miffed that she has now been paired with a partner, Traps, a mouse who is expert at tracking…and knitting. They are on the hunt for a dastardly wolf who is collecting all the pieces to a sinister mind-control device. The book “is zippier than a roomful of kittens on catnip, with fast-paced, full-color wordless sequences,” according to a writer in Kirkus Reviews.
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, May 15, 2012, Courtney Jones, review of Bird and Squirrel on the Run!, p. 44; March 15, 2015, Julia Smith, review of Willy Maykit in Space, p. 76; October 15, 2015, review of Bird & Squirrel on the Edge, p. 37; March 1, 2016, Anita Lock, review of Pigs and a Blanket, p. 91.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, March, 2001, Jeannette Hulick, review of Beep and Bah, p. 342.
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2011, review of Gabby and Gator; January 1, 2012, review of Beep and Bah; July 1, 2012, review of Bird and Squirrel on the Run!; August 1, 2013, review of The Monstore; March 15, 2015, Julia Smith, review of Willy Maykit in Space, p. 76; October 15, 2015, review of Bird & Squirrel on the Edge, p. 37; March 1, 2016, Anita Lock, review of Pigs and a Blanket, p. 91.
Publishers Weekly, October 4, 2010, review of Gabby and Gator, p. 51; January 9, 2012, review of Beep and Bah, p. 53; April 29, 2013, review of The Monstore, p. 132; June 2, 2014, review of Open Wide!, p. 60.
School Library Journal, March, 2012, Catherine Callegari, review of Beep and Bah, p. 116; September, 2012, Rita Meade, review of Bird and Squirrel on the Run!, p. 170; June, 2013, Sara Lissa Paulson, review of The Monstore, p. 90.
ONLINE
James Burks Home Page, http://jamesburks.com (August 1, 2014).*
When James Burks was little there was only one thing that he wanted to be when he grew up; a light saber wielding, truck driving space pirate with a monkey for a first mate. But since his parents refused to buy him a monkey he had to choose the next best thing; a pen wielding, father of two with a lovely wife, two cats, two dogs, a constant hunger for Mexican food, a love of running marathons, writing stories and drawing pictures about anything and everything he can imagine. This led James to a long career working in animation on various feature films and television shows including Space Jam, the Iron Giant, the Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Wow Wow Wubbzy, the Bravest Warriors, and the rebooted Power Puff Girls (just to name a few).
James is also a published author who has written and illustrated numerous books for kids including his new graphic novel series Agent 9 (PenguinKids/Razorbill) and his long running seven book graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel (Scholastic/Graphix) which has been translated into Czech, Spanish, French, Castilian and even Farsi (the pirated edition in Iran). His other books include Gabby and Gator (Yen Press), Beep and Bah (Carolrhoda), Pigs and a Blanket (Disney/Hyperion), and When Pigs Fly (Disney/Hyperion).
James is represented by Kelly Sonnack at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
JAMES BURKS
For the last fifteen years, James Burks has worked as an artist in the animation industry for various studios including Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects he’s worked on include the Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, The Iron Giant and the television shows Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, The Dinosaur Train, and most recently on Fan Boy and Chum Chum. About three years ago, James started writing and illustrating his own books. His first graphic novel for kids, Gabby and Gator, published by Yen Press, was a Junior Library Guild selection. James is currently hard at work on some other great books that will be out in the next couple of years.
INTERVIEW
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
As a kid I remember really liking Watership Down. I also spent a lot of time reading mysteries and choose your own adventure books. On the drawing side of things I started reading and drawing Garfield when I was in the third grade.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
That’s a tough one. I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. “You’re killing me, Smalls,” is something I use regularly but that’s from the movie The Sandlot.
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
If I had to pick just three they would be J. K. Rowling, Charles Schulz, and Tim Burton.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I wanted to become an author/illustrator because I love to draw and create my own stories. There’s something magical about bringing an idea to life with words and pictures.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
My advice would be to follow your own path. Don’t try to create works for the marketplace, instead create stories that you are passionate about. If you’re an artist I’d say just to keep drawing. Draw everything. The more versatile you are the easier it will be to bring your imagination to life.
Jessica Young and James Burks interview for HAGGIS AND TANK
Jessica Young (author) and James Burks (illustrator) dropped by today to interview each other as they talk about their new series featuring Haggis and Tank. Enjoy!
JB: Should we draw straws? Flip a coin? Or dance battle to see who goes first?
JY: I would totally dance battle, but since you’re in CA, and I’m in TN, you can go first. You’re first alphabetically.
JB: Are you more like Haggis or Tank? Why?
JY: I was going to ask you the same thing! My Haggis and Tank proportions vary from day to day. I tend to worry a lot and want things to be just so, especially in terms of my physical space—like Haggis. But if you get me at the right time I can be Tank-ish, too. I love trying new things and seeing new places, and I can be overly optimistic, impulsive, and goofy. Like Tank, I love dreaming up crazy adventures!
(Click the image to see it larger in a new window.)
JY: All right, I'm still going to ask it: What about you? Haggis or Tank?
JB: We are just two peas in a pod. I’m also a little bit Haggis and a little bit Tank. (That sounds like an altered version of a Donny and Marie song.) I like to feel like I’m in control of what’s happening in my life like Haggis. But I also love to live life to the fullest like Tank. I’m always up for an adventure. Life is short and I want to collect as many experiences and memories as I can.
JB: How did you come up with the idea for Haggis and Tank? What made you choose a Scottish Terrier and a Great Dane?
JY: Haggis and Tank started as a picture book—Not a Knot—about a girl learning to tie her shoelaces. After wrestling with the all-dialogue text, I realized it wasn’t working. My brilliant critique partners and agent suggested turning it into a chapter book. The main characters evolved into a doggie duo, the setting changed to a pirate ship in order to keep the knot/not wordplay (the only thing I kept from the original text), and I wove in other homophone-based misunderstandings throughout the story. I’ve always been fascinated with Scotland, hence the Scottie named Haggis. (Elizabeth piping in here: YAY!) And one of my roommates after grad school used to have a Great Dane who was a real character. She probably influenced my choice for Tank. Also, I wanted the characters’ physiques to be as different as their personalities.
JY: When you get a new manuscript, what's your process? And when you write and illustrate a story, does the drawing ever come first?
JB: The first thing I do when I get a MS is read through it. Then I ask myself: Are the characters interesting? Will it be fun to work on? Is it different than what I’ve done before? If I can answer yes to all of those then I’ll start working on designs for the characters. I’ll explore different shapes and features until I find something that I can draw from almost any angle with a wide range of expressions. I want to make sure the characters are able to move around on the page and act without limitations.
Once everyone is satisfied with the designs, I’ll move on to roughing out the pages. This can be in my sketchbook or in Photoshop. Once the roughs are approved, I’ll do all the final line art and color in Photoshop.
For books that I write and illustrate, I always start with the character sketch first. If I find the character interesting and feel that he/she/it has a story to tell, I’ll write out an outline with the basic plot points. I’ll send this to my agent to see what she thinks. Once I have a story that my agent and I are happy with then I’ll move on to drawing. From there it’s pretty much the same as above.
JB: Do you want to tell about how we ended up working together on this project?
JY: Yes! I'd been a fan of your work for a long time, and we’d met at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference in L.A. After seeing some of the sketches you were posting on Facebook, I mentioned to our amazing agent that I thought you'd do a great Haggis and Tank. She asked you if you'd be interested in creating a sample we could submit with the text. And the next thing I knew, Haggis and Tank were staring at me from my computer screen, making me laugh with their hilarious expressions! They were perfect. And our wonderful editor, Katie Carella, thought so, too.
(I just wanted to add this initial sketch that James did of Haggis and Tank. When he sent it to me (Jessica) through our agent and I opened it, it was the first time I "met" Haggis and Tank!)
JY: So what creators inspire you?
JB: I take inspiration wherever I can find it. Charles Schulz and the pre-1970s Peanuts strips are a big influence. I just like how simple they are in terms of the layout and the characters. There’s no unnecessary clutter. Each panel only contains what’s needed to get the idea across. Which is something that I make a point of doing in my own work. I’m also a big fan of Tim Burton. I like his dark sense of humor and the looseness of his line drawings. They just have so much life in them. Walt Disney is another influence. He had a vision and thought outside the box. He made it possible for so many great artists to create such phenomenal works of film and art. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if it weren’t for the inspiration I’ve gained from studying their work.
JB: What inspires you to create your books? Are there certain authors or illustrators that you admire?
JY: My tastes and interests are pretty eclectic, but as far as inspirations for this series, I’ve always loved wordplay and fun pairs of characters. Early influences include books that experiment with language in funny ways, like Edward Lear’s The Quangle Wangle’s Hat and Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends, as well as great characters like James Marshall’s George and Martha, Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, and Munro Leaf’s Ferdinand. As far as contemporary authors and illustrators I admire, there are too many to name!
(Click the image to see it larger in a new window.)
JY: What’s your favorite medium, and why?
JB: My books are pretty much all done digitally with the exception of the initial sketches which are done in my sketchbook. I do love the idea of watercolor and would love to one day do a book using it. I just love the looseness of it. I always want to retain as much life in my work as possible. I want the characters to live and breathe on the page, and I think watercolor could push it even further. I just need to work with it a bit more before I can attempt to use it for an entire book.
JB: What do you like to do when you’re not writing children’s books?
JY: My other favorite things to do are hanging out with my family, cooking, playing music with my kids, and drawing when I get the chance. I also love dancing, swimming, and riding my bike, but I need to work on doing those activities more often.
JY: I know exercise is an important part of your life. How do you balance work and family and keeping healthy?
JB: Three years ago I looked in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. So I made it a priority to get in shape and to take better care of myself. I don’t so much watch what I eat as much as I make sure to get plenty of exercise. I run, bike, or swim pretty much six days a week. The key for me is to not make excuses why I can’t exercise. I make time for it. I make it a priority. I make it a habit just like brushing my teeth. It makes me feel good and most days this spills over into my work and the time I spend with my family. It has changed my life.
JY: Okay, speed round: You're Tank. Where would you convince Haggis to go on an adventure, and what would you eat?
JB: If I were Tank I think I’d convince Haggis to bike across the United States. We’d eat all of the great foods from all the places we’d pass through. Haggis could ride in the sidecar and I’d do all the pedaling. It would be an epic adventure!
JY: Do you like black licorice?
JB: No. Black licorice is my kryptonite. (Well, that and drawing horses.)
JY: As you know, my kids are huge fans of yours. They especially love your Bird & Squirrel series. What are you working on now?
JB: Currently I’m roughing out the fourth Bird and Squirrel book. I’m also writing the follow up to my next picture book, Pigs and a Blanket (April 5) for Disney/Hyperion.
JB: What about you?
JY: I have a couple of picture book manuscripts I’m working on. And an unfinished novel I’ll go back to one day. And some other top-secret surprises!
JY: Thanks so much for doing this with me! I learned a lot!
JB: I had a blast. I can’t wait to see what Haggis and Tank have in store for us in the future. Onward and upward!
About Haggis and Tank Unleashed:
Tank is a clumsy, outgoing Great Dane. Haggis is a dapper and grumpy Scottie dog. In the first book in the series, Haggis and Tank set sail as pirates. At first, Haggis doesn’t see what Tank does–that an adventure awaits them with just a little imagination! But soon, Haggis joins in the fun and the two friends talk like pirates, swab the deck, and search for buried treasure. This series is full of wordplay and homophones that make Haggis and Tank’s adventures even more fun!
Interview with graphic novel author/illustrator James Burks
June 11, 2016 by Henry Herz Leave a comment
James Burks is funny, smart, and enjoys running, biking and swimming. When he’s not doing that he’s writing and illustrating books for people young and old. He’s the author of many great books including GABBY AND GATOR, the BIRD AND SQUIRREL graphic novel series, and the upcoming book PIGS AND A BLANKET. I had the pleasure of meeting James at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
BurksJames
For what age audience do you write?
I tend to write stories that I find funny and entertaining. I let the publisher worry about age of the audience. I like to think of my books as for all ages, as anyone can read them and hopefully enjoy them. As far as the genre goes I guess it would be fantasy. Mainly because my stories tend to feature talking animals.
Henry: I’m a big fan of talking animals. I think all kids wish their pets could speak.
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is the third installment of my BIRD AND SQUIRREL graphic novel series for Scholastic/Graphix called Bird and Squirrel on the Edge. Bird and Squirrel are almost home when they stop to chase off wolves hunting a baby bear and in the process Bird gets a knock on the noggin and a case of amnesia. So Squirrel has to set aside his fears and keep both Bird and the bear cub safe as they journey on foot over the Great Mountains with a pack of hungry wolves in hot pursuit.
Henry: That is one brave bird and squirrel!
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
Ultimately, I want my readers to have fun, to enjoy the stories and to laugh along with the crazy antics of Bird and Squirrel.
Henry: And to learn not to mess with wolf packs.
What aspect of writing/illustrating do you find most challenging?
The writing is probably the most challenging aspect for me. I’ve been drawing since I was little, so that tends to come easier. I didn’t start writing until I came up with the idea for my first book GABBY AND GATOR. Even then, I was pretty much writing with pictures. I would just draw out the story as it came to me. This wasn’t the most efficient way to work, and I ended up doing a lot of drawing that never made it into the book. Now I tend to outline my stories first. That way I can figure out the story structure and make sure everything is working before I do any drawing.
Henry: It’s interesting that many author/illustrators start as illustrators. I don’t know many authors who subsequently added illustration to their resume.
What is a powerful lesson you’ve learned from being a writer/illustrator?
I think it’s that there has to be a certain amount of compromise if you want to have your books published. There are going to be lots of notes along the way. You don’t necessarily have to agree with them but you have to look at what the publisher thinks isn’t working and figure out your own way of addressing it. That being said, sometimes it’s okay to say no too. You just better have a good reason and be able to explain why you think it should stay in the story.
What has been a memorable experience that you never would have had if you had not been a writer/illustrator?
The best thing about being a writer/illustrator is that it has allowed me to work from home and set my own schedule. I get to spend more time with my family. I get to spend time running, biking, and swimming instead of dealing with a daily commute. It has also allowed me to connect with a lot of very creative people all around the world.
Henry: Note to aspiring illustrators: this only works once your level of success makes it financial feasible. Don’t quit your day job before that.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors and illustrators?
Don’t wait till you think your work is prefect before putting it out there into the world for people to see. It’ll never be perfect. Just keep doing it. Not everyone is going to like it. Not everything you do is going to be great. But the more you do it the better you’re going to get.
Henry: So true. Even successful authors and illustrators get rejected. It’s like preparing a meal. Just because the meal is well-prepared doesn’t mean it will suit everyone’s tastes.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” —Walt Disney
Henry: “Why, oh why didn’t I take the blue pill?” – Cypher
Do you have any strange rituals that you observe when you write or illustrate?
When I’m writing I like to go to Starbucks and sit outside with a cup of coffee and my laptop. Getting away from my home studio and out in the real world helps mix things up. Sometimes that’s all it takes to kickstart the creative juices. Large quantities of coffee helps too.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To be able to clean my house and take care of errands in seconds.
Henry: In lieu of superpowers, you could benefit from having minions.
If you could have three authors over for dinner, who would it be?
Hmmm…It would have to be Tim Burton, Steve Martin, and Bill Murray. Tim Burton because his work has always inspired me. Steve Martin because he’s super talented and very funny. Bill Murray isn’t an author but I love how he doesn’t seem to take life too seriously.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing/illustrating?
When I’m not writing/illustrating I’m either running, biking or swimming long distances in preparation for some kind of endurance race like a triathlon or a marathon.
Henry: I wonder if there’s a way to combine endurance training with errands…
What would you like it to say on your tombstone?
James had no regrets and lived life to the fullest.
Where can readers find your work?
Readers can find my work at JAMESBURKS.COM. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram : @jamesburksart Thanks for the interview!
Henry: Thanks for visiting with us, James. This interview is also posted on the San Diego Children’s Books Examiner.
Pigs and a Blanket. By James Burks. Illus. by the author. Apr. 2016. 32p. Disney/Hyperion, $16.99 (9781484725238). PreS-K.
Henry and Henrietta have a favorite blanket. They not only love the way it smells and feels but also love to use it in their various activities, such as reading and drawing. The pig siblings have one problem with the beloved article: they don't like to share it. An argument leads to a tug of war, and the blanket splits in half. Now that they have their own portion, they each have the freedom to play without fear of interruptions. But being apart makes them realize how much they miss each other's company. Burks, creator of the Bird and Squirrel graphic novel series, delivers a comical message of sharing and caring in his latest creation for the picture-book set. Little ones will be quickly drawn to Burks' eye-catching and action-packed scenes, particularly the appealingly blocky, bubble-gum-pink protagonists. His clever double-page spreads visually emphasize the competition between the sib lings, while the large font punctuated with fun onomatopoeia and poignant wordless scenes make this ideal for a group storytime.--Anita Lock
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Lock, Anita. "Pigs and a Blanket." Booklist, vol. 112, no. 13, 1 Mar. 2016, p. 91. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A447443709/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b10c1330. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Burks, James PIGS AND A BLANKET Disney-Hyperion (Children's Picture Books) $16.99 4, 5 ISBN: 978-1-4847-2523-8
Two adorable Disney-esque pig siblings decide that sharing is the way to go. Each pig states love for "my blanket," a single item shared between the two, one for its softness and the other for its smell. They describe the activities they enjoy, most of which can be done side by side. The girl pig, marked with a purple hair bow, likes to read under it and make movies on it with her toys, while the boy pig likes to draw and play monster truck. But dancing with "my blanket" is a solo action, as is using it for a superhero cape. Inevitably an argument in the form of a tug of war ensues, and the blanket is ripped in two. The pigs retire to separate corners with their blanket halves to play alone, but they're clearly unhappy. They admit to missing each other and jury-rig repairs so their blanket is sort of together again. The text is composed of 14 statements in large, widely spaced black print and a giant red "RRRIIIIPPPPP!" on stark white background, itself a dynamic compositional element. All the action in this slight tale comes to life in the detailed cartoon illustrations of their activities and accouterments, rendered in colorful hues. The bright pink little pigs vividly display every emotion on their respective round and square faces. Burks avoids sliding into treacle, and the gentle message will be well-received by the littlest readers. A charmer. (Picture book. 2-5)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Burks, James: PIGS AND A BLANKET." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2016. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A541695415/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=979cb230. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Burks, James WHEN PIGS FLY Disney-Hyperion (Children's Fiction) $16.99 2, 27 ISBN: 978-1-4847-2524-5
What does it take to get a pig aloft?
Sibling pigs Henry and Henrietta of Pigs and a Blanket (2016) are back, with Henry in control of the blanket they learned to share in their previous outing (it makes a great superhero cape). He's determined to be the first pig to fly. When his taped-on cardboard wings result in a crash, Henrietta suggests they fly a kite...which Henry rides for crash No. 2. Oscillating-fan jet pack? There's a third crash, and Henrietta wonders if she will need a helmet if she continues to help. Balloons? Feathers? Trampoline? No flight in sight. Henry gives up. But his sister, who had been trying to make a King Kong movie before helping Henry try to fly, has an imaginative idea to bring his dream to life. Turns out pigs can fly pretty high if they have the right special effects. Burks' enthusiastic tale of porcine perseverance is told entirely in dialogue between its pink, porky principals. Bright colors and wide-eyed cartoon characters in the illustrations have a pleasantly textured, chalky look and extend and complement the text, easily communicating Henry's excitement.
Young dreamers and aviators (and piglets) will respond with delight. (Picture book. 2-7)
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"Burks, James: WHEN PIGS FLY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Jan. 2018. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A520735793/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=6d9f35ed. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Burks, James MIND CONTROL! Razorbill/Penguin (Children's None) $18.99 8, 30 ISBN: 978-0-593-20297-5
A spotlight-seeking spy does not want to share the limelight.
In this follow-up to Agent 9: Flood-a-Geddon! (2021), Agent 9, a pep-filled (but often impetuous) feline spy with the Super-Secret Spy Service, is back with a new goal: to be recognized as Spy of the Month. When she is called in to save the world from a wicked wolf seeking a mind-control device, Agent 9 is positive she's got the award in the bag. However, she learns she'll have to work together with another agent named Traps, a mouse who is an expert tracker, trapper, and knitter. Annoyed and dismayed by the prospect of teamwork, will Agent 9 be able to work together with Traps to take down the wolf, or will her impulsivity get in her way once again? Burks' sophomore offering is zippier than a roomful of kittens on catnip, with fast-paced, full-color wordless sequences. Her flaws on full display, Agent 9 is relatable; her desire to work independently and her subsequent realizations regarding teamwork and compromise will hit home for many readers. This is a fully self-contained adventure with a smile-inducing resolution, but a tantalizing cliffhanger will leave readers running for the next installment like a cat who hears a can opener.
A teamwork tale that is the cat's meow. (Graphic thriller. 7-10)
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"Burks, James: MIND CONTROL!" Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A711906347/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0366b5f9. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Bird & Squirrel on the Run.
By James Burks. Illus. by the author.
Aug. 2012. 128p. Scholastic/Graphix, paper, $8.99 (9780545312837). 741.5. Gr. 3-6.
Bird doesn't mind that all the other birds already flew south for the winter. He'll get there, eventually. This same free-as-a-bird attitude lands him in the path of Squirrel, who loses his entire winter store of acorns while rescuing Bird from Cat. With no other choice, Squirrel sets off with Bird on a road trip south for the winter. Meanwhile, they are, ahem, doggedly pursued by the menacing, mute Cat. He is a danger that stalks through the pages, creating real tension and anxiety for skittish Squirrel and young readers alike. Bird and Squirrel's adventures take them through the forest, over canyons, and even underground where they meet a rambling, prophesying elderly mole--but their greatest tests are of courage and friendship. Bird's relentless optimism is tempered by Squirrel's ceaseless worrying; and Squirrel learns to live by facing death head-on. The easy-to-follow panels offer a great introduction for readers interested in trying their first graphic novel, and the warm, engaging art has the same vibrant energy of a beloved Saturday morning cartoon. --Courtney Jones
Jones, Courtney
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2012 American Library Association
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Jones, Courtney. "Bird & Squirrel on the Run." Booklist, vol. 108, no. 18, 15 May 2012, p. 44. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A291352151/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fdf45330. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Burks, James BIRD & SQUIRREL ON THE RUN Graphix/Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $8.99 8, 1 ISBN: 978-0-545-31283-7
Burks manages to turn The Odd Couple into an adventure story. The Odd Couple is one of the most important stories in the history of Western culture. Oscar and Felix were archetypes when they were called Bert and Ernie and when they were called the Grasshopper and the Ant. In that tradition, Squirrel is a fussbudget who's afraid of beetles, spiders, running out of acorns and forgetting his toothbrush. Bird isn't afraid of anything and can usually be found flying upside down. The story only works if the characters get on each other's nerves. The problem here is that it works much too well. Bird is more annoying than Bert and Felix put together. Bird never stops talking, even when being chased by an enormous cat. That's the moment when Bird says, "Is it true that dogs are smarter than cats?" Some readers may decide to ignore the dialogue and just look at the pictures, which are so cinematic that you can almost see the cat's whiskers twitching. The character design is astounding. Squirrel's head is shaped like a little acorn (complete with cap), and even the trees look like fractal patterns, spiraling off the page. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; here's one story that would be better with no words at all. (Graphic adventure. 6-10)
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"Burks, James: BIRD & SQUIRREL ON THE RUN." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2012. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A294689947/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7c7195c6. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Holub, Joan ITTY BITTY KITTY Harper/HarperCollins (Children's Picture Books) $17.99 5, 19 ISBN: 978-0-06-232219-7
Itty Bitty is one large kitty.When Ava asks her parents for a cat, "Dad look[s] doubtful. 'Cats shed.' Mom [shakes] her head. 'Cats must be regularly fed.' " They tell Ava they'll revisit the subject when she's older. While she's moping on a park bench, Ava hears an itty-bitty "Mew." She takes the adorable purple kitten she finds and names him Itty Bitty, since he's so tiny. Ava thinks her parents are still in a "No" mindset, so she keeps Itty Bitty a secret...but he doesn't stay small for long. After a couple weeks, he's huge. Her parents' inevitable discovery of the cat leads them to tell Ava that Itty Bitty must go. But when Ava's perfect puss keeps her infant brother from falling down the stairs, her parents change their tune. Holub's run-of-the-mill kid-wants-a-pet tale is enlivened somewhat by the end and internal rhymes in the text. However, it's Burks' bright, digital cartoon illustrations in all their big-eyed, Chuck Jones-esque glory that recommend this ponderous pussycat parable. Even the most avid cat lovers may feel like giving this a miss. (Picture book. 2-5)
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"Holub, Joan: ITTY BITTY KITTY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Feb. 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A399322079/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=1e03cc2f. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Trine, Greg WILLY MAYKIT IN SPACE HMH Books (Children's Fiction) $13.99 3, 3 ISBN: 978-0-544-31351-4
Willy Maykit is not an ordinary kid. Although his scientist father was lost on an expedition to the Amazon, that hasn't blunted Willy's sense of adventure one bit. When a class field trip to Planet Ed comes up, Willy convinces his mother to put aside her worries and sign the permission slip. All goes well on the trip to the faraway planet, but Willy goes off to explore on his own, and when threatening weather leads to the hurried return of the spacecraft back to Earth, he is left behind. At first Willy believes he is the only one, but he soon discovers a green extraterrestrial named Norp along with Cindy Das (described as "the prettiest girl in class" and depicted as dark-skinned with long, dark hair; Willy is blond and fair-skinned). So the trio find themselves trying to survive attacks from huge hairy, hungry monsters (that sometimes wear sunglasses) until they are rescued. Trine keeps the outlandish plot and dialogue moving along at a speed-of-light pace. Some comic touches are employed a bit too often, such as android pilot Max's overenthusiastic responses to a few well-known knock-knock jokes. For those still appreciative of a well-placed illustration to set the scene, Burks' cartoon images won't disappoint. Readers new to chapter books and who like to laugh often will most likely find Willy's story peppered with just enough silly humor (monster poop!) to keep the pages turning. (Adventure. 7-10)
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"Trine, Greg: WILLY MAYKIT IN SPACE." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A397059353/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=babe15fe. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Willy Maykit in Space.
By Greg Trine. Illus. by James Burks.
Apr. 2015. 208p. HMH, $13.99 (9780544313514). Gr. 2-4.
From the author of the Melvin Beederman, Superhero books comes a fun-filled new series of exploration and humor. When Willy Maykit's fourth-grade class is given the chance to take a field trip to the solar systems newest planet, Planet Ed, Willy can't wait. As the son of a world-traveling explorer, the urge to see foreign lands is in his blood. A faster-than-light-speed flight piloted by an android named Max gets the class to Planet Ed in record time, but Willy's explorer instincts land him in trouble when he wanders off, missing the return flight home. To his relief, Willy discovers he isn't alone; a girl from his class and a friendly alien have also been stranded. The three band together to await rescue and survive the planet's dangers, namely giant, sunglasses-wearing monsters. Silliness prevails in this interplanetary adventure and will leave young readers cackling over slapstick humor and unusual characters. Cartoon spot illustrations make the book's sense of fun and adventure pop. A wacky romp.--Julia Smith
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 American Library Association
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Smith, Julia. "Willy Maykit in Space." Booklist, vol. 111, no. 14, 15 Mar. 2015, p. 76. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A409422158/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=1da4b376. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Bird & Squirrel on the Edge. By dames Burks. Illus. by the author. Oct. 2015. 144p. Scholastic/Graphix, $18.99 (9780545804257); paper, $9.99 (9780545804271). 741.5. Gr. 2-4.
In their third adventure, friends Bird and Squirrel are on their way home--Bird flying while carrying Squirrel--they just have to cross over some mountains. Then they see a wolf pack menacing a baby bear and stop to help the cub. In the midst of the fight, Squirrel accidentally hits Bird on the noggin with a pinecone and knocks him out. When Bird wakes up, he doesn't know who he is or how to fly. Squirrel is scared of everything, and Bird is the brave one, but now their roles are reversed. Can Squirrel find the courage to help the cub find its mama and get himself and Bird home? That's bad enough, but the wolves keep following them, too. Burks' colorful art makes the wolves menacing (long jaws full of sharp teeth) without being too scary for most younger readers, while the story propels the reader through lots of action and humor, as persnickety Squirrel must deal with the cub licking his face and helping his amnesiac friend, Bird, deal with his fears.--Kat Kan
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 American Library Association
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Kan, Kat. "Bird & Squirrel on the Edge." Booklist, vol. 112, no. 4, 15 Oct. 2015, p. 37. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A433202233/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=024ccb82. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Burks, James BIRD & SQUIRREL ON THE EDGE! Graphix/Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $18.99 10, 27 ISBN: 978-0-545-80425-7
Best friends Bird and Squirrel embark upon a new graphic-novel adventure, in which they make a new friend and find the dynamics of their friendship changing. Sky-blue, acorn-hatted Squirrel is nervous. He's afraid of everything--even dust. His best friend, the lemon-yellow, aviator-goggled Bird, is fearless. One day, on a stroll through their woodland home, they spy a bear cub cornered by a vicious pair of wolves. Bird can't stand to see two against one ("that's not right," he declares), so he hatches a plan to pelt the lupine bullies with pine cones. Timid Squirrel however, misfires and accidentally beans poor Bird, knocking him out. Now Bird cannot remember who--or what--he is, and Squirrel is left to protect Bear and Bird from the ferocious wolves. The pair's established dynamics have now reversed, leaving Bird now fearful and unsure and Squirrel having to step up and muster his courage. Although it's a rather gentle story of animal amity, Burks has adroitly managed to infuse it with a rollicking pace, cutely quirky characters, and lively illustrations that practically leap off the page, creating a subtle complexity that is usually missing from such buddy tales. A bright medley of friendship, problem-solving, and identity ideal for emerging readers looking for the next step up from leveled readers. (Graphic fiction. 7-12)
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"Burks, James: BIRD & SQUIRREL ON THE EDGE!" Kirkus Reviews, 15 Aug. 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A425152348/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=566b624b. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Young, Jessica ALL PAWS ON DECK Branches/Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $15.99 1, 5 ISBN: 978-0-545-81887-2
Two bored pups take to the high seas in an imaginative and homophone-friendly caper. Tank, a Great Dane of endless spunk and enthusiasm, and Haggis, a small Scottish terrier with an uncanny resemblance to Wilford Brimley, decide that the best way to spend a sunny morning is to pretend that they're the "rrruff-est scallywags" to sail the seven seas. With Tank (aka "Bootleg Bonny") providing the passion and Haggis ("Captain Scurvy") the brains, they encounter everything from sneaky squeaky sea serpents and buried treasure to the perils of improper slipknots. Fortunately, when certain death threatens the daring duo, deliverance appears in the least likely of places. In this latest addition to Scholastic's early chapter Branches imprint, Young spends a fair amount of time engaging her heroes in enticing banter and funny misunderstandings involving puns and homophones. It's especially gratifying to see that the big, tough, strong dog character is a female. Burks' plentiful, full-color art is consistently engaging, incorporating dialogue bubbles as well as regular typeset prose. Kids dipping a toe into the waters of early chapter books will find themselves challenged by the text while simultaneously enticed by the alluring art. These salty sea dogs put the bite back in buccaneering. (Graphic/fantasy hybrid. 6-9)
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"Young, Jessica: ALL PAWS ON DECK." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Nov. 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A433047970/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5c11e32a. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.
Haggis and Tank Unleashed: All Paws on Deck. By Jessica Young. Illus. by James Burks. Jan. 2016.80p. Scholastic/Branches, $15.99 (9780545818872); paper, $4.99 (9780545818865); e book, $4.99 (9780545819695). Gr. 1-3.
Two canine pals star in this entertaining, comics-style chapter book series for early readers. Haggis, a Scottie dog, is bored, and lunchtime seems far away. But then Tank, a Great Dane, rolls by in her wagon and suggests playing pirates. Soon Bootleg Bonny (Tank) and Captain Scurvy (Haggis) are piloting their wagon turned ship, the Golden Biscuit. Excitement ensues when they find a possible treasure map, but their dig ashore proves fruitless, so "with heavy hearts and empty paws," they sail homeward. Eventually they arrive home, where true--and delicious--treasure awaits. The spare, easy-to-read main text describes the events, and the stylized, full-color cartoon illustrations, complete with amusing speech-balloon conversations and asides, expand the story. Tank and Haggis have many homophone-related miscommunications, a concept, explained on the last page, which both helps aid reading comprehension and boosts the funny factor. Ultimately, playtime and wordplay match well here, but it's the animated, distinctly drawn characters that will have kids seeking their future adventures.--Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 American Library Association
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Rosenfeld, Shelle. "Haggis and Tank Unleashed: All Paws on Deck." Booklist, vol. 112, no. 8, 15 Dec. 2015, p. 59. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A439362691/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=dec07170. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.