The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and seventeen

In the early nineties I worked part time in an after school program in a public school in Washington DC. One of the things my kids loved was story time because I would go to the library or the book store to get books that I thought would amuse them. The little ones would always rush to sit on the floor (or in my lap) for story time, and over time I noticed that the 'big' kids would also drift over trying not to look as if they were listening.

One of the books that the kids loved was Imogene's Antlers by David Small. Once the story was read, the children liked to guess what was going to happen next, and they would often draw pictures of Imogene with her odd animal appendages.

Imogene’s Antlers

David Small

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Random House, 2010, 978-0-375-81048-0

   One morning Imogene wakes up to discover that she has grown a pair of very large antlers during the night. Getting dressed and getting through doorways takes careful thought, and when Imogene’s mother sees the antlers she faints.

   The family doctor is called, and he says that there is nothing medically wrong with Imogene. The school principal comes over and he glares at Imogene, but he has no advice to offer either. When Imogene’s little brother announces that Imogene has turned into a “rare form of miniature elk” Imogene’s mother faints. Again.

   Though her parents are very upset, the cook and kitchen maid quite like the antlers, finding a number of uses for them. Perhaps it won’t be so bad having antlers.

   First published in 1985, this book has become a much loved classic. Children and their families love reading about the hilarious situation that Imogene finds herself in, and they certainly have a good laugh when they come to the surprising ending.