cover image Donald & Benoît

Donald & Benoît

John Patrick Byrne, Rizzoli/Universe, $17.95 (64p) ISBN 978-0-7893-2084-1

The scale and ambition of the artwork in this debut by a Scottish painter set it apart immediately, and the modest solve-a-problem plot is transformed by a captivating narrative voice into rattling good entertainment. Benoît, the son of a sailor, and Donald, his new kitten, live in an idyllic fishing village dotted with institutions like "the John Dory Public Library on Squid Row, the Electric Eel Cinema at the far end of the Pier, and the Dark Night of the Lemon Sole Café." When Benoît's father, Jean-Kiki, disappears at sea and they're left to support themselves, Donald's love of drumming and the timely help of a library book called Build Your Own Drum Kit from Everyday Objects Around the Home wins him resounding professional triumph—which Jean-Kiki reappears in time to enjoy. With a nod to early cubism, Byrne paints bulky, curvy figures whose swoops and angles have the rhythmic energy of Donald's drums; their impact is heightened by the book's large trim size. Dreamy, melancholy hand-lettering and graceful design add even more charm. All ages. (Feb.)