The Artist
"The themes of duty, responsibility and caring for one's family
pervade this book, but then so do the earthly rewards that accompany such
devotion to moral concerns . . . Excessive moralizing is avoided through
the author's whimsical use of animals rather than humans and through the
humorous illustrations. Recommended."
Canadian Book Review Annual
A Dog Called Dad
"The illustrations are . . . genuinely amusing . . . The world
of Edwards and Bianchi's books is one in which nobody's brilliant but nobody
is put down, and there is both gentle acceptance of the problems that arise
and gentle pride in their resolution . . . It's a delightful book for dads
to read out loud to children, or vice versa. A copy in the house will likely
trigger much good-natured family ribbing. Woof."
Quill & Quire
"Good-natured insanity . . . Bianchi's rollicking illustrations
are bright and cartoonlike . . . The humour is wacky and inventive. Three
woofs."
Books in Canada
"Rich, colorful cartoon art nicely expands the zany story."
School Library Journal
"The wonderful absurdity of the text is splendidly complemented
by Bianchi's lively cartoon-style illustrations, which capture Dad's doglike
behaviours. Recommended."
Canadian Book Review Annual
The Toad Sleeps Over
"This story of learning to accept the eccentricities of others
is action-packed . . . As with most of Bianchi's offbeat stories, the humour
and charm of this tale come from his exuberant illustrations. We feel the
teeth-rattling thuds that send lamps and tables bouncing as the two youngsters
hop ceiling-high, and cringe from the needle-sharp coyote teeth pressing
on the ballooning sides of the toad."
Quill & Quire
"As with all of Bianchi's solo efforts, the illustrations in this
book are so droll they almost eclipse the prose and story line. [But] Bianchi
is a fine writer . . . Highly recommended."
Canadian Book Review Annual
"[It] offers an unforgettable lesson in what it calls the three
Ts: Toads Taste Terrible."
Maclean's
