Proud Carry
I took muddy spud to the city
Looking to trade it every night and day
Left my starving parents in our dirt floor house
Wonderin if they'd ever eat my pet mouse
Big deal I am seeking
So scared my pants are leakin'
And I'm trolling, trolling
Trolling for a trader.
And I'm trolling, trolling
Trolling for a trader.
(lyrics inspired by the King of Fish)
WE are the sum of our experiences, for better or worse of the people, things, and events that have intersected our paths shaping and influencing who we are. In Gris Grimly’s book the reader senses the presence of Dr. Seuss, Marice Sendak, Jim Henson, Tim Burton, the Brothers Grim and the echoes of Jack and the Beanstalk, the Dark Crystal, the Corpse Bride, and The Frog Prince. Slices of these formative influences swirl together like a rainbow confection synthesized into the multi-flavored treat Jordan Ray and his Muddy Spud.
Spudopsis
The story begins with a familiar yet dark scenario, the poor family of three, the young scrawny son, and the directive to barter the family’s only resource for something that will improve their lot. Little Jordan Ray leaves a home with rats on the floor and bats in the gable. He leaves a home with empty cupboards and no heat. He leaves a farm plagued with drought and stone cold ground beneath an eternally dark sky. His worried mum gives her last instructions and encouragement, and then Little Jordan Ray bravely sets off to the village on this bleak October day carrying only a sack, inside of which is a large, lumpy muddy spud.
In the tradition of Hercules, Ulysses, Theseus, and even Jack (of beanstalk fame) the boy’s journey stretches much further than anticipated as his quest takes him on numerous missions bouncing from one task to the next. Then just when the dominoes are perfectly positioned, the story neatly resolves itself with an unexpected twist to the delight and satisfaction of the reader (or maybe not readers who expect spuds to be spuds).
Along the way we meet a down-and-out peasant, a mad hare, a grumpy old troll, a water nymph, and a griffin fond of Reuben on rye. This odd collection of characters find themselves linked together by a chain of circumstances, the links of which are finally broken by a persistent Jordan Ray and his muddy spud.
Random Thoughts
Several sites list this book as appropriate for ages 9-12, and one stated it was for children of all ages. Most likely the non-traditional characters and storyline would also appeal to those older than the target audience. Middle schoolers to whom I showed the book seemed especially intrigued by Mr. Grimly’s watercolor art. The gaunt, elongated characters are reminiscent of those seen in a Tim Burton film. A drawing of an impossibly thin water nymph bound in shackles and chains while suspended over the water against a gigantic moon reflects the artistic style seen in the Corpse Bride Film.
Personally I found the artistry quite compelling and impressive, not the usual fare.
The vocabulary is mildly ambitious for a children’s book but shouldn’t be a problem for a good reader. A sampling of the vocabulary: plagued, drought, peasant, shilling, mystical, apologies, lame, torte, Triton, Lucien, rubies, retrieve, orb, nymph, and griffin.
The story is told in rhyme in an aabb pattern for the entire story. The author does a good job sustaining the rhyme and pattern though occasionally the reader will find a line without a mate. Mostly the rhyme is natural, but occasionally a rhyme seems forced as do the feet and meter in some lines. These are merely observations and not meant as criticism.
Even the dust cover on this book is amusing. On the front flap is displayed the nutrition facts for the book and the ingredients. We learn that it contains 18g of moral fiber, 120 mg of rhyme, and 0 grams of fact. The first few ingredients listed are: muddy spud, boy, parents, rats, bats, peasant, and mad hare. Very clever I think.
Jordan Ray ‘s Muddy Spud will appeal to anyone who enjoys walking on the dark side or the wrong side of the street. It’s dark, macabre, gloomy, yet simultaneously fun and enthralling.
The fate of the muddy spud, however, may prove disappointing to a hardcore spudophile and leave him feeling a just a little cheated, teased, and unentuberated.
40 pages
1.15 pounds
11.5 inches high
9.5 inches long
.75 inches thick
Recommended:
