Customer Reviews

Little Jordan Ray's Muddy Spud

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Little Jordan Ray's Muddy Spud" delivers exactly what the title promises: an imaginative bizarre concoction of storytelling and illustration that brings little Jordan Ray and the other characters of Gris Grimly's world to life. Written in verse, his work has an elegance and sophistication lacking in many children's books, while still enticing the reader with his macabre sense of humor. He has the ability to challenge children verbally while drawing the child into his often gruesome world.

I was fortunate enough to meet Grimly at his art opening in Soho last weekend. His art work is reason enough to want this book, however after purchasing it and having him sign it (I had only previously seen his art), I was very happy to learn that the stories that tie his work together are as wonderful as the images he produces.

We follow Little Jordan Ray through a world filled with nymphs, mad hares, and other characters that are both frightening and inviting. Much in the tradition of Jack and the Bean Stalk, we are watching this child go off on his own to sell his family's possessions to help with their financial woes. Grimly does a wonderful job of meshing traditional storytelling with a more contemporary vibe that allows the new generations to relate and enjoy the challenging and engaging material.

Several sites list this book as appropriate for ages 9-12, and one stated it was for children of all ages. Most likely the non-traditional characters and storyline would also appeal to those older than the target audience. Middle schoolers to whom I showed the book seemed especially intrigued by Mr. Grimly's watercolor art. The gaunt, elongated characters are reminiscent of those seen in a Tim Burton film. A drawing of an impossibly thin water nymph bound in shackles and chains while suspended over the water against a gigantic moon reflects the artistic style seen in the Corpse Bride Film.
Personally I found the artistry quite compelling and impressive, not the usual fare.

The vocabulary is mildly ambitious for a children's book but shouldn't be a problem for a good reader. A sampling of the vocabulary: plagued, drought, peasant, shilling, mystical, apologies, lame, torte, Triton, Lucien, rubies, retrieve, orb, nymph, and griffin.

The story is told in rhyme in an aabb pattern for the entire story. The author does a good job sustaining the rhyme and pattern though occasionally the reader will find a line without a mate. Mostly the rhyme is natural, but occasionally a rhyme seems forced as do the feet and meter in some lines. These are merely observations and not meant as criticism.

Even the dust cover on this book is amusing. On the front flap is displayed the nutrition facts for the book and the ingredients. We learn that it contains 18g of moral fiber, 120 mg of rhyme, and 0 grams of fact. The first few ingredients listed are: muddy spud, boy, parents, rats, bats, peasant, and mad hare. Very clever I think.

Jordan Ray `s Muddy Spud will appeal to anyone who enjoys walking on the dark side or the wrong side of the street. It's dark, macabre, gloomy, yet simultaneously fun and enthralling.
The fate of the muddy spud, however, may prove disappointing to a hardcore spudophile and leave him feeling a just a little cheated, teased, and unentubered.

Gris Grimly is totally amazing! I love being able to buy books for my children that are not the everyday stories! Very fun to read! In fact, I've purchased copies for my niece also!

Bought this book for my two Grand Daughters, age 2 and 4. Will be some time before they get to enjoy it but it looks like a winner to their Gran Pa.