Illustrator Barry Root recommends The Thirteen Clocks, written by James Thurber and illustrated by Marc Simont. “I didn’t discover The Thirteen Clocks until I was nearly a teenager and already a James Thurber fan, but my children grew up with it. I love it for the sly humor and wordplay, and because it introduced me to the work of Marc Simont. Favorite quote: ‘We all have flaws,’ (the Duke) said, ‘and mine is being wicked.’”
The Thirteen Clocks (NYR Children’s Collection, 2008) is recommended for ages 8-12.
Be sure to check out Root’s picture book The Bell in the Bridge, written by Ted Kooser (Candlewick Press, 2016).
Learn more at Barry-Root.com.
If you are on Facebook, find Barry Root at Facebook.com/BarryRootIllustrator.
Photograph by Jessica McIntyre