Hello, Hubsters and Pole-ish Nation!
Welcome to the Hub’s Colbert lit-chat, where we will celebrate the publication of Stephen’s first children’s (sort of) book. Do you have your glasses of champagne ready? Is your maypole set up for happy dance? And what about those pasties for a swing around the stripper pole?
Yesterday, I purchased my copy of I Am a Pole (And So Can You!) after sitting on the floor of my local Barnes & Noble, giving it an eager first read and laughing my head off. I’ve got to say, I’m with Mr. Sendak: “The sad thing is, I like it!” As a former children’s book editor, I have to admit that I initially regarded the project with some suspicion: in general, with just a few exceptions, I have little tolerance for celebs penning kids’ books. Other than a few big names—like Sendak himself or J.K. Rowling—too many of the authors and illustrators who dedicate themselves to this form struggle to survive. Meanwhile, the celebs who drop in often do a poor job—but get the glory and the marketing dollars.
However, Stephen’s situation is quite different. First off, let’s be honest: this isn’t REALLY a children’s book in any traditional sense. (I did mention that stripper, didn’t I? And…uh, the kind of phallic cover drawing?) Instead, it’s a slyly, deliciously humorous take on the picture book that would actually make a great graduation gift for college students thinking about their place in the world. Of course, it’s also a dream for every Colbert fan who just enjoys reveling in his wit. And I assure you, it all sounds exactly like our Stephen, with references to many of the topics he covers in the show: Christmas, evolution, polling (pole-ing?), and patriotism.
I don’t want to give away too much for those who haven’t seen the book yet—there are delightful little surprises sprinkled throughout—but I love the care taken with ever detail, including the hysterical flap copy, the one word author bio, and the “Caldecott Eligible” mock-award on the cover. (The Caldecott is the biggest children’s picture book given–but it goes only to the artist.) And praise to Paul Hildbrand, who did what every picture book illustrator should: enhance the text with fun extras everywhere.
Now a brief detour into fangirlishness: love that back cover photo! It’s just wonderful.
So everyone, let’s discuss! Have you gotten your copy? What do you think? What part of the book do you like best? And if you had to come up with a endorsement quote for the back cover…what would you say? Let me know! (Meanwhile, I’m still thinking of mine.)
And if you haven’t purchased the book yet — what are you waiting for? Here’s the publisher’s website! (And if you click on the audio tab, you can hear a tiny excerpt, too.)
And remember: if you buy the audiobook, 100% of the proceeds will go to an excellent cause: the United States Veterans Initiative, which helps returning vets transition back to civilian life, and get the housing, career advice, and counseling they need.
Now, let’s take that glass of champagne I mentioned a raise a toast to Stephen, and to the memory of the beloved Maurice Sendak (who makes an appearance in the book).
RIP, Maurice Sendak. I hope you’ve gone to where the wild things go…
Cheers, all!
I Am a Pole — Book Discussion!
Hello, Hubsters and Pole-ish Nation!
Welcome to the Hub’s Colbert lit-chat, where we will celebrate the publication of Stephen’s first children’s (sort of) book. Do you have your glasses of champagne ready? Is your maypole set up for happy dance? And what about those pasties for a swing around the stripper pole?
Yesterday, I purchased my copy of I Am a Pole (And So Can You!) after sitting on the floor of my local Barnes & Noble, giving it an eager first read and laughing my head off. I’ve got to say, I’m with Mr. Sendak: “The sad thing is, I like it!” As a former children’s book editor, I have to admit that I initially regarded the project with some suspicion: in general, with just a few exceptions, I have little tolerance for celebs penning kids’ books. Other than a few big names—like Sendak himself or J.K. Rowling—too many of the authors and illustrators who dedicate themselves to this form struggle to survive. Meanwhile, the celebs who drop in often do a poor job—but get the glory and the marketing dollars.
However, Stephen’s situation is quite different. First off, let’s be honest: this isn’t REALLY a children’s book in any traditional sense. (I did mention that stripper, didn’t I? And…uh, the kind of phallic cover drawing?) Instead, it’s a slyly, deliciously humorous take on the picture book that would actually make a great graduation gift for college students thinking about their place in the world. Of course, it’s also a dream for every Colbert fan who just enjoys reveling in his wit. And I assure you, it all sounds exactly like our Stephen, with references to many of the topics he covers in the show: Christmas, evolution, polling (pole-ing?), and patriotism.
I don’t want to give away too much for those who haven’t seen the book yet—there are delightful little surprises sprinkled throughout—but I love the care taken with ever detail, including the hysterical flap copy, the one word author bio, and the “Caldecott Eligible” mock-award on the cover. (The Caldecott is the biggest children’s picture book given–but it goes only to the artist.) And praise to Paul Hildbrand, who did what every picture book illustrator should: enhance the text with fun extras everywhere.
Now a brief detour into fangirlishness: love that back cover photo! It’s just wonderful.
So everyone, let’s discuss! Have you gotten your copy? What do you think? What part of the book do you like best? And if you had to come up with a endorsement quote for the back cover…what would you say? Let me know! (Meanwhile, I’m still thinking of mine.)
And if you haven’t purchased the book yet — what are you waiting for? Here’s the publisher’s website! (And if you click on the audio tab, you can hear a tiny excerpt, too.)
And remember: if you buy the audiobook, 100% of the proceeds will go to an excellent cause: the United States Veterans Initiative, which helps returning vets transition back to civilian life, and get the housing, career advice, and counseling they need.
Now, let’s take that glass of champagne I mentioned a raise a toast to Stephen, and to the memory of the beloved Maurice Sendak (who makes an appearance in the book).
RIP, Maurice Sendak. I hope you’ve gone to where the wild things go…
Cheers, all!