–published 2007
–40 pages, Viking Juvenile
–4.25/5 stars

I have long been a fan of writer Jon Scieszka and artist/author Lane Smith. From the moment I saw their first collaboration The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, I was hooked. My part-time bookstore job at Waldenbooks during my college days afforded me the opportunity to read this and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, by A. Wolf, and to recommend them to other. Over the years Scieszka and Smith have created several odd and humorous children’s picture books as well as the young adult chapter book series, The Time-Warp Trio. It goes almost without saying that a Scieszka and Smith collaboration will be a hit.

Their latest, Cowboy and Octopus, is no different. I saw this in the bookstore and actually read it there, but when a really good Barnes and Noble coupon came my way I just couldn’t resist adding it to my collection of whimsical children’s picture books.

Cowboy and Octopus tells the story of an unlikely pair of friends by giving the reader glimpses into seven different ‘adventures’ the duo are involved in. From their initial meeting, to giving each other fashion tips, and from sharing meals to attempts at finding common ground through joke-telling, these one to two page snippets of the interactions between Cowboy and Octopus are filled with groan-worthy humor and delightful examples of friendship.

Lane Smith is a wonderful artist whose creations are quite unique. In Cowboy and Octopus he uses a great deal of collage to create dimensional images that tell the story every bit as much as the words themselves. I love books that reward time spent really looking at the illustrations and Lane Smith’s creations for this book are ones that have to be viewed again and again. Anyone who is a fan of collage art will find a kindred spirit in the imagery of Lane Smith.

I highly recommend this witty, charming children’s story. Whether you check it out from your local library or purchase it to add to your collection, it is well worth reading again and again. It will put a smile on your face and perhaps inspire you to create your own stories. At the very least Cowboy and Octopus will not-so-subtly reinforce the message that it is our differences which make our relationships exciting and rewarding.

Enjoy!