The Great Zapfino
Behold! The Great Zapfino!
Art by Marla Frazee
★ “Worked in pencil on matte film, Frazee’s lightly smudgy comic line drawings convey relief, repose, terror, suspense, and, at last, Olympian-level physical skill in this droll comedy.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★“Behold: The Great Zapfino!” In this nearly wordless tale, Barnett and Frazee depict the story of a former circus performer who decides to explore a safer form of employment. In the beginning, readers see the fearless Zapfino climbing to great heights in his circus performance for an incredible leap. Then he breaks the fourth wall, looks straight at readers, and disappears. He retires to a seemingly quieter life as an elevator attendant in a high-rise building. But his circus training comes in handy in his new life as a toaster fiasco sets the building on fire and he, once again, must make a leap for his life! Readers will revel in Frazee’s black-and-white drawings that transform the intense life-or-death story line to one of whimsy and hilarity. Children will revel in their role of filling in the wordless pages with their own tale of what is happening in Zapfino’s life. VERDICT This charming tale will have children of all ages spellbound. Highly recommended for purchase.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review
“This fun mini-adventure will delight kids as they pore over the illustrations and fill in story details with their imaginations.”
—Booklist
“With its expert pacing and delightful details, this is a splendid collaboration between two picture-book greats.” —The Horn Book Review
“Children ages 4-8 will cheer as Zapfino tries to live up to his name in this funny and redemptive story.” —The Wall Street Journal
