TITLE: THE MIGHTY LALOUCHE
AUTHOR: Matthew Olshan
ILLUSTRATOR: Sophie Blackall
PUBLICATION INFO: Random House’s Schwartz & Wade Books, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86225-0
SOURCE: library
INTENDED AUDIENCE: ages 4 to 8
GENRE: picture book biography, historical fiction
OPENING and SYNOPSIS:
From the publisher:
“In Paris, France, there lived a humble postman named Lalouche. He was small, but his hands were nimble, his legs were fast, and his arms were strong. When his job was replaced by an electric car, he turned to boxing to support himself and his pet finch, Genevieve. But—’You? A boxer?’ the fighters asked. ‘I could sneeze and knock you down!’ Still, Lalouche refused to give up. And perhaps small Lalouche was just nimble . . . just fast . . . and just strong enough to beat his fierce competitors. This is a marvelous story, full of humor and heart, and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, winner of a New York Times Best Illustrated Award.”
THEMES/TOPICS: boxing, history, France
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: The illustrations are the star of the ring in this book. The characters’ expressions are priceless, and the images have a 3D feel, thanks to a Japanese diorama technique Blackall used. In fact, Matthew Olshan wrote the book specifically for Sophie Blackall to illustrate. She collects old pictures of boxers. Learn about how the story came together from Sophie at her blog.
RESOURCES:
- The book includes an author’s note about French boxing and early electric cars.
- A brief history of French boxing can be found here.
- Information about boxing from PBS Kids.
You’ll find way more cool books at Susanna Leonard Hill’s “Perfect Picture Books.” Every Friday folks review a host of new books. Join us!
Kirsten W. Larson 
what fun; a historically-based David v Goliath story…
What a good analogy Sue. Perhaps Malcolm Gladwell could have used this example in his DAVID VS. GOLIATH.
That cover is pretty striking. The story sounds fun. Thanks for telling me about it.
Rosi, this is a fun book. I’m looking forward to sharing it with my own little wrestler/boxers (my two boys).
Thanks for reminding me of this book! Actually perfect timing for something I’m working on. So-great choice!
You are certainly welcome, Wendy. 🙂
You always pick such fascinating books. Love this choice and know that I’ll put it on hold. Am very curious about the illustrator’s style.
Read her blog link Pat. She talks about all the painstaking work that went into the illustrations. It’s amazing.
Kirsten, I have to confess I’m not a fan of boxing, but OH. MY. What amazing illustrations. Love the link to Sophie’s site. I must investigate more on the technique. 2 years to complete it! Wow. Thank you for sharing this book with it’s links.
I’m not a big fan either, Laura, but it is an interesting underdog story. He only became a boxer because he lost his job as a mailman. And he went right back to carrying the mail as soon as he could. It was quite fascinating.
I was more enamored by the illustrations than the story in this one, but that’s because they’re stellar!
The writing and storyline were good, but when the illustrations are THAT amazing, it’s hard not to overpower everything else.
And I don’t mind at all!
I am with Julie, one of my favs for illustration in 2013!
I’d love to hear the rest of your list, Joanna. Is PARROTS one of your favs?
This looks magnificent! I want to read it! 🙂
I’m not into boxing either, but the illustrations would grab me.
Boxing … hmm. I may read this before I read it with my son. The illustration are lovely.
I love Ms Blackall! And this book is amazing! Thanks for sharing a fine review and fun links!