August 15, 2016
This gothic-flavored family tale from Maclear (The Good Little Book) puns on the name of the famous composer, but he appears only as a portrait over the household piano. Instead, the members of the Liszt family mostly keep to themselves, making lists of their interests. Mama,
be-rouged, lists “ghastly illnesses” and soccer players; bespectacled Papa lists chores and insects; there’s an older sister, younger brother, and grandfather, too, list-makers all. When a stranger enters the house, only middle child Edward will talk to him. “The door was open,” the visitor explains. “I know,” Edward replies. “I left the door open.” Their growing companionship leads to games, inventions, and intriguing questions: “If my arms were stronger, could I pick myself up?” Sardà’s (The Trouble with Twins) stylish spreads carry a whiff of Wes Anderson, with dark woodwork and dark humor, too, as in a spread of the family, fully clothed, sunbathing by their empty pool while Edward sits glumly on the diving board. The joy shared by Edward and the visitor lifts the story out of its velvet-draped languor. Ages 5–9. Author’s agent: Jackie Kaiser, Westwood Creative Artists. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.
October 1, 2016
K-Gr 3-"The Liszts made lists. Scritch, scratch. They made lists most usual. And lists most unusual." In this dark and droll picture book, readers are introduced to a peculiar family whose members specialize in creating particular types of lists. Each day is the same, filled with lists of ghastly illnesses and small, winged insects, "except Sundays, which [are] listless." One day, however, when a strange visitor appears, curious middle child Edward opens the door, widening the Liszts' world and allowing a bit of joy and whimsy to enter their lives. Maclear uses language deliberately and sparingly, with several well-placed puns. Sarda's digital graphics add depth and detail, from the textures of each textile in the intricately decorated old-fashioned house to the facial expressions on the odd cast of characters. Hand-lettered text, especially in the lists themselves, tie the book together seamlessly. This title feels familiar and yet entirely one of a kind; it is the Addams Family mashed up with a Wes Anderson movie, as illustrated by Edward Gorey, with a touch more color and magical realism. And in the end, the moral is an important one: leave room at the end of your list "just in case something unexpected comes up." VERDICT An entirely unique book, ideal for one-on-one sharing, with rich illustrations and a quaint story worth poring over.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
A family of list aficionados gets an unexpected guest in this offbeat tale.The Liszts spend their time making lists. Regardless of the season, the family writes lists "every day except Sundays, which were listless." Each member, of course, specializes in a particular topic. For example, Mama ponders lists of "ghastly illnesses" and soccer greats, while Papa comes up with lists of "dreaded chores and small winged insects." Meanwhile, Grandpa weighs in on his great admirers and fearsome enemies. Even the cat joins in. When a visitor arrives one day, no one's keen on paying the visitor any attention. After all, he's not on anybody's list. So it goes until the visitor sees the middle Liszt child, who holds a list of questions. "He had a good feeling about this one." Reminiscent of the best nonsense children's books, Maclear's wry tale oozes pure whimsy. The text revels in offbeat sincerity, wringing chuckles out of juxtapositions and amusing dialogue. Happily, Sarda's digital illustrations capture the Liszts' quaint strangeness. Drab, muted colors prevail throughout most of the artwork, lending a sense of Gothic order to the Liszts' chaotic household. Intertextual visual details pop up occasionally, while most pictures feature unusual perspectives to frame the family. In the end, the visitor's visit shakes up the Liszt household in all the best ways. Simply enchanting in all its quirks. (Picture book. 5-9) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
August 15, 2016
A family of list aficionados gets an unexpected guest in this offbeat tale.The Liszts spend their time making lists. Regardless of the season, the family writes lists every day except Sundays, which were listless." Each member, of course, specializes in a particular topic. For example, Mama ponders lists of "ghastly illnesses" and soccer greats, while Papa comes up with lists of "dreaded chores and small winged insects." Meanwhile, Grandpa weighs in on his great admirers and fearsome enemies. Even the cat joins in. When a visitor arrives one day, no ones keen on paying the visitor any attention. After all, hes not on anybodys list. So it goes until the visitor sees the middle Liszt child, who holds a list of questions. "He had a good feeling about this one." Reminiscent of the best nonsense childrens books, Maclears wry tale oozes pure whimsy. The text revels in offbeat sincerity, wringing chuckles out of juxtapositions and amusing dialogue. Happily, Sards digital illustrations capture the Liszts quaint strangeness. Drab, muted colors prevail throughout most of the artwork, lending a sense of Gothic order to the Liszts chaotic household. Intertextual visual details pop up occasionally, while most pictures feature unusual perspectives to frame the family. In the end, the visitors visit shakes up the Liszt household in all the best ways. Simply enchanting in all its quirks. (Picture book. 5-9)
COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
October 15, 2016
Grades K-3 The Liszt family loves making lists. Mrs. Liszt is compiling ghastly illnesses and the greatest soccer players of all time. The youngest son is writing down fun things to do. Then there is Edward, the middle child, keeping lists to quiet the swirl of his midnight mind. Everyone obsessively works on the lists each day, ignoring all else, including the unexpected visitor who doesn't have a place in any of their lists. But the visitor finds a friend in Edward, and together they wonder about things that don't fit in lists, like Where did infinity start and how will it end? Inspired by Edward's openmindedness, the Liszts start leaving empty spaces in their lists, just in case something unexpected comes along. The digitally rendered Goreyesque illustrations in saturated jewel tones feature clutters of items jostling around dour Liszts, while handwritten text adds a retro feel. The subtle message about creative thinking might go over the heads of young readers, but the offbeat, eye-catching illustrations will lure in many to this sophisticated, darkly humorous tale.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)