Mitchell Goes Bowling

July 15, 2013
In Mitchell’s License (2011), Mitchell pretended his father was a car, racing him (rather ignominiously) around the house. Dad gets his revenge in this sequel when he takes his son to the bowling alley and throws strike after strike. Mitchell knocks down a few pins, but not without difficulty. “That’s when the people next door asked for a new lane,” Durand deadpans as Fucile shows Mitchell sprawled on a neighboring lane. Just when Mitchell is ready to give up, his father finds a solution that works for both of them. Mitchell’s energy remains second to none. Ages 3–7. Agent: Pippin Properties.

August 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 2-Since Mitchell enjoys knocking things down, his father sees a natural outlet for all of his energy: bowling. So begins this second book about the raucous boy and his cool dad introduced in Mitchell Goes Driving (Candlewick, 2011). At the alley, the four-year-old sees long lanes and brightly colored balls. He picks up the heaviest one he can find and quickly learns the term "gutter ball." Next up, his dad does a kick with his leg as he releases his ball and scores a solid strike. While watching his dad celebrate with the "steamin' hot potato dance," Mitchell yearns to make his mark. Fucile's exuberant illustrations pop on every page and the ratio of word to illustration is very balanced. The story is played for laughs, but, in the process, readers will enjoy the father/son relationship and subtlely learning about being a sport. Mitchell's frustration and anger issues are addressed and his dad's patience pays off. Readers will enjoy meeting this pair as they bond at the alley.-Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 15, 2013
Boisterous Mitchell and his resourceful dad are back in a hilarious father-and-son tale that celebrates working together with wit and warmth (Mitchell's License, 2011). Four-year-old Mitchell loves to knock things down: blocks, cups, papers--even his dad is fair game. Knowing his son's proclivities, Dad finds a creative solution: the bowling alley! Loud crashes, colorful balls and cool shoes make this tyke feel right at home. But after he learns about the gutter and sees his dad's strikes, Mitchell's competitive fire runs hot. He tries everything to win. He hollers, he heaves, and then...he wants to go home. That is, until his dad suggests they be on the same team. Mitchell realizes that together, they can't lose. The artwork, perfectly paced with the text's comedic beats, is full of energy, physical comedy and emotion. Fucile's style is reminiscent of the post-war-boom advertising that idealized America's promise; still, it's also current, bringing that same sense of hope to a more modern America. Here, the family is mixed-race; the mother works (possibly from home); and the dad is a full and actively engaged partner in the parenting process, showing patience, understanding, creativity and love. Durand and Fucile are a winning combination, and their father/son bonding will leave readers in stitches. Loads of fun with a lot of heart. (Picture book. 3-7)

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January 1, 2014
Mitchell is stoked when his dad takes him bowling, but knocking pins down proves more challenging than it looks. When frustration sets in, his dad suggests they be on the same team, and together they bowl a perfect strike. Energetic, retro-toned digitized cartoon illustrations express the allure of the lanes while a passionate Mitchell typifies every child's struggles with a new skill.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)