Customer Reviews

Fibblestax

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A more beautifully written tale for children--of all ages-- would be hard to find. The artwork is stunning (be sure to take note of the hidden words found in these lavish illustrations)! Best of all is the way Mr. Scillian takes the simple notion of supposing how it is that everyday words get their names, and manages to halt you in your tracks with his unpredictable conclusion about life's most important lesson. Be prepared -- you're likely to find yourself buying additional copies-- and not necessarily all for children! Deserving of "classic" designation in it's category. I love this book!

Devin Scillian spins for young readers his fable of Fibblestax and how he came to be the one who names everything. He has to battle the tricky, red-faced Carr, a man who "gives terrible names to wonderful things". The mayor of their town gives them five things to name, and the final one stumps Carr, but can Fibblestax rise to the challenge? Kathryn Darnell's soft, intricately detailed illustrations perfectly showcase Scillian's original, entertaining story told throughout in rhyming couplets.

Where do words come from? Why, for example, do we call a chair a "chair"? Why not call it a "gronk" or "whooba-loop" or something completely different?? Who decided that the thing we walk on is a "floor" and what's above our heads is "sky"?? They could have just as easily been called something different, right?? Why are some words short and others long? (why, for example, is the word "abbreviation" 12 letters long, I've always wondered...). In their book "Fibblestax", Mr. Scillian and Ms. Darnell give their interpretation of where words REALLY come from.

"I dreamed again of Fibblestax, sitting among his books / Peering into the candlelight with a calm, thoughtful look. / For he's the one who gives a name to every single thing. / If not for him we couldn't talk. Or read, or write, or sing."

So begins this richly illustrated story for young children of how, in a place somewhere in the misty depths of time and place, the mop-haired Fibblestax invents names for all the things we know so well. He's the one who decided to call a cat a "cat" and a dog a "dog." He decided that the small furry animal with whiskers should be called a "mouse" and the larger one a "rat."

However, it wasn't always this way. Long before Fibblestax was the namer of all things, there was a grumpy, scowling man named Carr who gave names to everything. He was a "red-faced man who sat on a hickory trunk, and he gave terrible names to wonderful things like toad and snake and skunk." He's the one responsible for all those terribly complicated English words like "sphere" and "xylophone" (and, I'm presuming, "abbreviation").

One day, while Fibblestax was talking to Carr beside a stream, he mentions that "this goobywickus in my cup, it looks more like cream." Fibblestax also notes that other things seem misnamed to him; "hootch-baroos", for example, look more like birds and the word "flowers" sounds much better than Carr's word, "gunnywunks."

A naming contest ensues between the sour Carr and the kind Fibblestax as to who will be the namer of all things. When the mayor asks what should be the name of the wet stuff that falls from the sky, Carr proposes to call it "droog" while Fibblestax quietly suggests it should be called "rain." You can guess what the ending will be the outcome of such a contest, with Carr suggesting names like "Poonies" for soup crackers and other ridiculous words.

"Fibblestax" is one of those rare gems in picture books, a blend of wonderful text and fantastically rich illustrations. Ms. Darnell lavishly illustrates each page in muted colors and soft crosshatch. The characters are gently and realistically rendered, from the scruffy Carr in his red cap and long boot who resembles a cross between a pirate and a lumberjack, and the soft-spoken, tousle-haired Fibblestax. The text is easy, large and rhymes in a way that will easily draw any child into the story.

For any child who may have asked, "mommy, where do words come from?" or who has ever invented their own words for something, "Fibblestax" is an excellent choice to add to the collection. Highly recommended from this teacher and wordsmith!!

I am the charge nurse for a large surburban pediatric practice. On a busy day we might see 75 restless children will uneasy parents. This wonderful book has quickly become a favorite. We can be pretty certain that if a child has this story read to him (or her) they will question how everything in the doctors office got its name. This is a delightful story with a wonderful message and beautiful pictures. It promises to put a smile on the faces of children of all ages.

Outstanding picturebook! Sleeping Bear Press has shown a lot of versatility with the publication of Fibblestax. It is a smooth story with great illustrations and a super message! My second graders couldn't wait to get their hands on this one after I read it aloud! Super!

I lost my first copy of this book in a basement flood, but ran out to replace it immediately. It has become my favorite book and each time I read it to students, I love it even more. I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Devin Scillian read this book at the Michigan Reading Association conference right after the book had been published. I got chills the first time I heard the story and each time I read it I get the chills all over again. The children love listening to the story and want a copy immediately after I read it! I assure you that you will love and enjoy this book as much as I have!

You will not be disappointed if you buy this book. Devin Scillian, the author, read this to my daughter's entire elementary school - all the kids were enchanted. My daughter brought the book home and my 3-year-old loved it. I gave a copy as a birthday present to an adult and now they are buying it as a "coffee table" book! The message is engaging and the illustrations are wonderful. Buy a couple of copies - you won't be sorry :)

I purchased this book on a recommendation and gave it to my godchild. The marvelous pictures and poignant story made this book a hit. Word spread throughout the childrens' playgroup and I have now been asked to recommend other books - the problem is this is the best childrens' book I have come across in years. Adults seem to enjoy it as much as the kids, so you won't mind reading it over and over again.

Thank you Devin Scillian for not selling our children short. I hope that my child has more opportunities to enjoy your brand of spirit-filled, poignant writing.The art work is as spectacular and original as your prose.Keep up the good work - we'll be waiting...

Wonderful thought filled heart lifting story of the power, beauty and simplicity of words. I used this as my Family Christmas gift this year.