The Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown By Sir Paul Smith of London, illustrated by Sam Usher [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781843654285
Hardcover $17.95 - Ages 40-8
Pavilion Books

My thoughts: The first picture book by celebrated British designer Paul Smith and illustrated by Sam Usher, well known for his multi-award shortlisted book Can You See Sassoon? and popular seasonal picture book series – Snow, Rain, Storm and Sun, brings pleasant whimsy to young readers that touch nicely on helping others, caring, sibling love set in the confines of a world of designers and crafters of clothing and accessories.

The highly detailed yet funny and a bit crazy illustrations take the readers on a somewhat goofy world wide tour of major countries and cities as designer Mr. Brown plies his tradecraft and bases much of his designing on ideas from Moose.

Moose has a need to find his twin, Monty, after they were separated in the airport. Mr. Brown invites Moose to join him on the world tour so they can look for Monty.

The story was fun. The illustrations fun. And the end was happy. So although it met all the prerequisites for a good book for the kiddies, it still left me a bit flat. I do see it as a book where you can ponder the illustrations finding lots of detail to talk about. The caring, sibling love, and help to others aspect is top-notch. So the book is good, but for me, not quite outstanding.

I would still recommend it for libraries of all types - school, public, etc.

I just love this two-page spread of the designs for elephant and bat.

About the book: The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown is a laugh-out-loud rollicking adventure story of animals, travel, design and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places. It follows the story of Mr Brown, an international fashion designer, who agrees to help a Moose he encounters at an airport to track down his lost twin brother, Monty. Along the way they travel the world and help multiple animals by designing garments to meet their particular needs – including slippers for sloths, parkas for penguins and scarves for giraffes. The story was inspired by toys that Paul has owned for many years and which reside in his office in Covent Garden, London.

As anyone who sews knows, to be creative you have to have a lot of "stuff" to pick from.
This picture says it all.

Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers. He is renowned for his creative spirit, which combines tradition and modernity. From its origins in one small shop in Nottingham, England, in 1970, Paul Smith has grown into a global business, selling in over seventy countries.

Neil Dunnicliffe, Publisher, Pavilion Children’s Books said: "I’m delighted to be working with the brilliant designer Paul Smith on his very first children’s books. Paul has produced a dazzlingly-inventive and very funny story and Sam Usher’s artwork is beautiful, witty and incredibly expressive. I can’t wait to introduce the world to The Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown."

Paul Smith commented: “I’ve known Moose and Mr Brown for a long time and I’m delighted to be able to bring their stories to life in my first ever children’s book. Sam’s illustrations are really special and capture the colour and energy of Moose and Mr Brown’s adventures perfectly!”

About the Author: Sir Paul Smith is an internationally renowned fashion designer. The Paul Smith fashion company has flagship stores in London, Paris, New York, Milan and Tokyo, with a total of over 200 stores worldwide. It has a presence in over 70 countries. Sir Paul Smith has collaborated with a number of well-known brands including Manchester United Football Team, Anglepoise, Land Rover, New Balance and Penguin Classics. This is his first children's book.

About the Illustrator: Sam Usher has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize and the Red House Children's Book Award and longlisted for the Kate Greenaway medal. He is particularly admired for his technical drawing skill and prowess with watercolor.

GIVEAWAY

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of author and publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publicist or publisher.