Nonstop – Tomi Ungerer
Nonstop by Tomi Ungerer / ISBN 9781838661595 / hardcover / Phaidon Press
Here’s my own summary: Vasco’s shadow helps guide him through a crumbling world where “birds, butterflies, and rats were gone” and “flowers had turned into memories.” Along the way he rescues Poco, the little green child of Nothing, and they eventually find a gigantic cake in the desert (a happy ending!). I love this book.
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The final masterpiece from Tomi Ungerer is a timely, thought-provoking tale of friendship, trust, and hope
“Tomi is a spectacular graphic genius.” —Maurice Sendak
Tomi Ungerer is an icon in the realms of children’s literature and illustration. His work is acclaimed and awarded, and has often been praised by fellow children’s book masters such as Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, and Shel Silverstein.
In this final tale by the legendary author, Earth is devastated and empty. Everyone has escaped to the moon – except Vasco. Luckily, Vasco has his shadow to guide him, and he finds little green Poco – someone to care for and bring to safety. Nonstop dangers await Vasco and baby Poco at every corner, but Vasco’s shadow rescues and guides them through destroyed cities and apocalyptic landscapes to safety.
“This posthumous work by iconoclastic picture-book creator Ungerer is austere and puzzling, yet ultimately hopeful…. This disorientating tale references several well-worn stories of adventure, exodus, and environmental turmoil; however, its greatest strength is found in its heroes’ resilience against all odds.” —Horn Book Magazine
“A dark vision with optimistic, even puckish, strains burnishes a unique legacy.” —Kirkus Reviews
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