Author John Lithgow
Illustrator C.F. Payne
Fame teamed up to create this must-own, re-readable picture book. MAD Magazine readers will enjoy the influence of Alfred E. Neuman in C.F. Payne’s expressive, intimate illustrations. And John Lithgow brings his gifted use of language from the stage to children’s books. His love of language creates flowing, fun rhyme for read-alouders and listeners. Farkle and his family cycle through joy and disappointment with building anticipation that calls out for excited voices. Special center-opening pages reveal the grand, satisfying finale.

The Remarkable Farkle McBride provides an opportunity for the whole family to learn the lexicon surrounding the symphony. Fifty-seven words rarely used at home grace this joyful poem. One caveat: Farkle is violently adamant about his musical disappointments, and many instruments are harmed in the pages of this book. Anyone worried about children imitating such behavior might proactively delay reading this book until any risk of mimicry has passed. I give this book as a gift to musicians, music teachers and students. It’s a timeless and ageless treasure.

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