Princess Bun Bun - Hardcover

A columnist and novelist, Richard Scrimger grew up in Toronto, always writing but never really considering it a career, until after the birth of his first two children, twins, when he discovered the only time he could seriously write was during their naps. His style clearly demonstrates the influence of his experiences as a waiter in Toronto’s upscale restaurants, and as a stay-at-home father to his four children.

Genuinely witty, his work can be described as multi-dimensional - comic elements ride upon the surface, supported by varying levels of seriousness underneath.

Columns detailing Richard’s adventures in parenthood have been published in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Today’s Parent, and were compiled in a collection titled Still Life with Children. His first adult novel, Crosstown, was a finalist for the City of Toronto Book Award. His first children’s novel, The Nose from Jupiter, won the 10th annual Mr. Christie Book Award, was selected as an A.B.A. Kid’s Pick of the List title, and was a finalist for the Ontario Library Association’s 1999 Silver Birch Award.

Richard Scrimger is also the author of The Way to Schenectady about the adventures of the Peeler family on the road; Mystical Rose, an adult novel; and a sequel to The Nose from Jupiter entitled A Nose for Adventure. In 2001 Scrimger published Bun Bun’s Birthday a picture book illustrated by Gillian Johnson, and a Peeler Christmas story called Of Mice and Nutcrackers. He and his family live in Cobourg, Ontario.

Gillian Johnson is a former national speed skater, canoe instructor, and teacher who has taught in the former Czechoslovakia and Canada. Her book, My Sister Gracie, was an acclaimed international success. Gillian Johnson lives with her husband, writer Nicholas Shakespeare, and their son in England and Tasmania.

PreSchool-K-The family from Bun Bun's Birthday (Tundra, 2001)-Winifred, Eugene, their baby sister, and their parents-is going to visit Uncle Dave in his new home in the Castle Apartments. Eugene wonders whether there will be juice and a TV. Winifred's vision is triggered by the word "castle," and, as they approach the building, she conjures up a moat or a guard with a sword. In the lobby, Bun Bun toddles off by herself into an open elevator, and her sister hurries in, too. She desperately pushes buttons, and as the elevator doors open and close on different floors, she imagines that she sees a monster, a witch, and a princess. Johnson's humorous watercolor illustrations show that Winifred is really seeing a dog on a leash, a cleaning woman with a broom, and a stylishly dressed young woman. The girls are rescued when their uncle appears and tells them that the only princesses in the building are Princess Winifred and Princess Bun Bun. The story and illustrations evoke warm family relationships and tell a simple adventure of everyday life. Because the text is lengthy, the book might be better appreciated one-on-one.
Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.