The Saturday Kid - Hardcover

Edward Sorel is a writer and an illustrator, widely known as a caricaturist, though he illustrated books for children before his career in satire began. His early books were done for his own children; now they are done for his grandchildren. His most recent book is Johnny on the Spot, about a small boy and his adventures when his radio, "repaired" by an inventive neighbor, begins to give tomorrow's news a day in advance. Mr. Sorel's work is often seen on the covers of The New Yorker and in GQ, The Nation, American Heritage, Time, and The Atlantic Monthly. His caricatures were recently exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Mr. Sorel and his wife live in Manhattan.

Grade 1-4-Noted caricaturist Sorel applies his signature sketchy style to a period story of spunk and adventurous comeuppance. Leo, who lives with his mother in New York City in the 1930s, has two obsessions: Saturdays at the movies and playing the violin. When Morty, the neighborhood bully, gets him thrown out of the theater, the boy longs to get even. Leo's movie-style daydreams of revenge as a G-man, pirate buccaneer, and World War I pilot are just flights of fancy. Little does he dream that his opportunity to play the violin for the Mayor will make the newsreel and satisfyingly quash any future trouble from Morty. As Sorel's fine line shading gives dimension to figures and objects, the clothing and setting details give dimension to the locale and time period. This pixilated glimpse of an era past-with a trip to the Automat, elevated trains, and Saturday matinees-is depicted on large pages that draw readers into the scenarios. A lot of nostalgia, an appealing underdog, and good old-fashioned moxie will charm any child who dares to dream.
Julie Cummins, New York Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.