The Typewriter

PreS-Gr 3—Three friends ride their bikes to a deserted carousel on a wintry day; a lone monarch butterfly suggests whimsy despite the snow banks and heavy coats. Though the attraction is closed for the season, they find a mysterious black box covered in white letters atop a ride-on bumblebee. The children—a white boy, black girl, and Asian boy—marvel in dismay…the box contains a relic from the past—an old manual typewriter. The girl types the word beach, and they are suddenly on a sandy beach with majestic blue waves. Coats are shed and a chase ensues—boy with crab pursuing laughing girl. The other boy types "Ball," prompting a spirited game of volleyball with a giant colored beach ball. "Ice Cream" delivers a giant orange bucket of dessert with three yellow shovel spoons. Next, a giant "Crab" attack is foiled by a "Big Wave." Finally, the girl types "The End," and coats are donned, the typewriter is returned to its case, and the friends cycle off. The stunningly realistic art, created with acrylic paint and colored pencils, features full-spreads, panels, and close-ups that reveal the children's awe and delight. Reminiscent of Thomson's Chalk (Two Lions, 2010), this title is another celebration of the power of imagination. Students can imagine what word they would type and illustrate their own scenarios.