Inspired by M.C. Escher, this black-and-white story takes you on a journey through a mixed-up palazzo and back again the other way up. Compared to Bear's Picture, Johnson's art style here is much the same (just b&w instead of color) but the story is more light-hearted. Pair it with a visit to https://mcescher.com/gallery/impossible-constructions or a reading of Ann Jonas' Round Trip. ( )

Recommended

This story is definitely inspired by M.C. Escher. The main characters name is Mauk, which was actually Escher’s nickname. The Author’s Note has a short biography about Escher. Basically, Mauk wakes up and is late, so he has to run to his Master. His Master is an architect and Mauk is the apprentice. Things look different that particular morning and it takes Mauk a while to figure out that up is down and down is up. Master is angry that the Palazzo is not right. Mauk had turned the building plans while the Master took a nap. Mauk was only allowed to sharpen Master’s pencils. He gets chased back to his room, right where he started. It seems that the message is that everyday is not the same and it’s all a matter or perspective.

The other reviews have this book for much younger children. I do not think they would be able to figure out how the story reads. As an adult, it took me a few tries to try and figure it out. I think there are two ways to read the book. First, is to read all the bold black letters following the story to the end of the book, then turning it upside down and reading the light gray letters to the beginning. I think it also works to read the black letters and then turning the book upside down to read the gray letters because the words flow together. It’s hard to understand the story either way, without the pictures. I think you get the story either way you read it. I’ve never seen a book quite like this. It is definitely interesting. I think it’s a story for older elementary and middle school students. I would not be a very good read aloud because you have to be pretty close to see the pictures. It would make a good one-on-one book with an adult. There are many layers to the book which gives the reader a lot to think about. I think it would make a good addition to a school or public library. ( )

AMAZING illustrations! Using MC Escher-esque works and having the story border the pictures. Love!

My 8 year old grandson said, "This is a good book". He loved looking at the pictures right side up and upside down (I am not sure which is which). DB Johnson is a a very clever artist. ( )

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