FICTION

Mitchell Goes Bowling

by Hallie DURAND
illus. by Tony Fucile. 40p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6049-9. LC 2012947730.
COPY ISBN
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
Mitchell is instantly recognizable as a boy whose constant action sometimes spills over into chaos. Luckily, his parents find ways to channel his exuberance, whether it is “driving” (Mitchell’s License) or bowling. At the bowling alley, Hallie Durand further develops this family portrait, depicting a responsive, emotionally attuned father-son relationship that steers clear of sentiment in favor of lifelike ups and downs and subtle humor. Tony Fucile infuses his drawings with high-octane kinetic energy. The art bursts with movement as Mitchell and his father launch balls down the lane and “steamin’-hot-potato” dance across the page. Mitchell Goes Bowling isn’t just a paean to fathers and sons. It’s also a story about the joys of new experiences—such as a young boy’s first visit to a bowling alley: “There were lots of brightly colored balls, a good pizza smell, and giant crashing noises.” A refreshing depiction of an ethnically diverse family.

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