The Picture Book That I Hate

Chris Van Dusen is an overrated writer, and one of his recent books highlights some of his problems.

"Big Truck, Little Island" was labeled a standout book of 2022--but the critic must have been brain-dead. This book is inane and patronizing. Here's what happens. A truck travels to Maine, but it attempts an awkward turn, and it gets wedged between rocks; it's wedged in the middle of a narrow road. People need to get past to attend their trumpet lessons, cake tasting sessions, etc. That's the crisis.

In the resolution, people trade cars. If I'm on the north portion of the road, and I need to be south, I borrow your car; in turn, you take mine so you can reach your swim meet on the north side of town. The End.

It's startling to me that no editor pointed out the obvious; there is no real conflict, there is nothing at stake, and there are no characters. I believe Van Dusen has persuaded himself that he is telling a bold tale about altruism, but there isn't altruism in these pages. The people of Maine take a "scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours" approach. This is also the lesson of Mama Morton, in "Chicago," and Mama Morton is not a hero.

People shell out for Van Dusen's "Circus Ship"--and that book is just as facile, predictable, and disrespectful to children. If no one tells Van Dusen the truth....his work can't get any better.

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