When They Are Up

When They Are Up
Written by Maggee Spicer and Richard Thompson.
Illustrated by Kirsti Anne Wakelin.
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2003.
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ABOUT THE BOOK

When They Are Up is a twist on the nursery rhyme The Grand Old Duke. In this rendition authors Maggee Spicer and Richard Thompson create wacky adventures for the Duke and his ten thousand men. Each illustration hides a card suit – each hidden suit is hinted at in the illustrated side borders. From armadillos to grizzly bears to fancy costumes, there’s lots to look as well as a song to sing along with the book.

The book is rendered in gouache, ink, watercolour and pencil on Arches 300lb cold press paper.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

Short-listed for the Chocolate Lily Book Award
Short-listed for Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize (B.C. Book Prizes)

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FROM THE REVIEWS

While the text is delightful, the illustrations are the book’s real joy. Kirsti Anne Wakelin’s soldiers are a whimsical wink and nod to the knaves on playing cards. Her lines are bold, her colours bright and engaging. Like the text, the illustrations balance detail and simplicity with grace.

–Reviewed by Marnie Parsons (from the February 2004 issue of Quill & Quire Magazine)