Noted children’s author Jon Scieszka – the wonderfully warped writer responsible for The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs – recently took on perhaps his most absurd subject to date: his childhood. Knucklehead, the recent autobiography from the first-ever National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, explores the pain, joy and grossness of boyhood. Short chapters that allow for flipping back and forth, scrapbook-style visual accompaniment and subject matter that includes tales of peeing on heaters and brother-on-brother violence will spur the interest of reluctant young readers. And while Scieszka’s intended audience is children, a number of adults – especially those sporting a Y chromosome – will likely relate to the themes. Meanwhile, all you double-Xers will have an entertaining explanation for how so many members of that other gender ended up the way they are. 11 a.m. Blue Willow Bookshop, 14532 Memorial. For information, call 281-497-8675 or visit www.bluewillowbookshop.com. Free.
Sun., Oct. 12, 11 a.m., 2008
This article appears in Oct 9-15, 2008.