Title: The End
Author: David LaRochelle
Illustrator/Artist: Richard Egielski
Genre: Children's Fiction / Picture Book / Fairy Tale
Edition: True First Edition, First Printing
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic
"And they all lived happily ever after.
They lived happily ever after because...
the soggy knight fell in love with the clever princess.
The knight fell in love with the princess because...
she poured a big bowl of lemonade on top of his head.
She poured a bowl of lemonade on top of his head because...
the knight's curly red beard was on fire."
And so it goes, all the way back to the beginning: "Once upon a time a clever princess decided to make a big bowl of lemonade." Except that it's the end. Like eating dessert first.
Turn traditional storytelling upside down with this inventive picture book that begins where most stories stop. Opening with the classic phrase, "And they all lived happily ever after," the narrative cleverly winds its way backward to uncover why the main characters ended up in such a joyful state. It is a delightfully unconventional concept that keeps young readers guessing with every turn of the page, making it a perfect read-aloud choice for family storytimes or classroom interactive reading sessions.
The backwards cause-and-effect chain reaction sparks immediate laughter as it details how a clever princess pours a giant bowl of lemonade onto a soggy knight's head because his curly red beard is on fire. As the countdown to "Once upon a time" progresses, readers encounter a hilarious assortment of magical mishaps, including a temperamental giant, a beleaguered chef, a runaway colossal tomato, and a dragon who happens to be terrified of tiny bunny rabbits. Visually captivating and sharply written, this title turns structural conventions on their head while celebrating the pure joy of imaginative play.
Author David LaRochelle (1960 - Present): An award-winning children's author and former elementary school teacher who has been crafting engaging stories for young readers for over three decades. Known for his sharp wit and interactive narratives, his portfolio includes beloved picture books such as Moo!, How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans, and It's a Tiger! He is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Minnesota Book Award and has won the Star of the North Children's Choice Award. Beyond his writing and illustrating work, LaRochelle is an avid creative pumpkin carver whose elaborate jack-o'-lanterns have been showcased nationally on Good Morning America. He frequently travels to elementary schools across the United States to inspire children to find joy in reading, writing, and drawing.
Artist Richard Egielski (1952 - Present): A highly celebrated illustrator and author who has contributed his distinct visual style to more than fifty books for children. He achieved critical acclaim early in his career alongside collaborator Arthur Yorinks, winning the prestigious 1987 Caldecott Medal for their iconic picture book Hey, Al! Egielski is also widely recognized for illustrating the beloved Tub People series by Pam Conrad. Two of his self-authored and illustrated works, BUZ (1995) and Jazper (1998), were named Best Illustrated Books of the year by The New York Times. His vibrant, detailed, and expressive artwork perfectly matches the fast-paced comedy of unconventional fairy tales
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Condition: Fine/Near Fine. Dust jacket: Very light shelf wear. Illustrated cover boards. Pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.
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