Publication - 3 August 2012A colourful picture book about Mr. Renny, an artist who suddenly finds his paintings coming to life. An imaginative retelling of the King Midas story.
Mr. Renny’s paintings are so good that they almost appear real. But no one seems to pay them any attention—until a strange man offers to make everything that Mr. Renny paints come to life.
First there’s the painting of the apple, which Mr. Renny can now eat. Then there’s a huge hotdog, a new car, a cruise liner...
Mr. Renny paints himself a life of luxury—until his friend Rose comes to ask if she can buy one of his paintings. But he doesn’t have any real paintings left! The spell must be broken—and soon!
A book containing subtle references to the work of Belgian surrealist René Magritte, the illustrations are full of clever and amusing details.
Why I chose this book (Publisher Julia Marshall): “Children love the illustrations of Leo Timmer. This is a gentle love story, about someone who has a great talent, but who puts it to one side in pursuit of lots of wonderful things (and the Cadillac is pretty cool). In the end he chooses wisely.”
THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR
Leo Timmers was born in 1970, in Belgium. At the age of 12 he started to draw comics. Trained in Graphic Design, he illustrates for Belgian magazines and papers as well as illustrating picture books. He is the author/illustrator of Who’s Driving? (Gecko Press).
Also from Gecko Press: I am the King and Who’s Driving?
Ages 4+40 pages 280 x 269mm
Paperback with flaps RRP $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-877467-89-9
Hardback with jacket RRP $34.99
ISBN 978-1-877579-20-2
Gecko Press
Origin: Belgium