Nonsense! The curious Story of Edward Gorey, written by Lori Mortensen and brilliantly illustrated by Chloe Bristol.
It’s hard to know how much of why I am obsessed with this book is because I have been obsessed with Edward Gorey for most of my life? Non fiction biographies are very popular. And those which can combine story and facts in a kid-friendly and entertaining manner are the ones which stand out. This one does just that.
The narrative addresses the reader and mimics Gorey’s own succinct and humorous descriptions. I also really enjoyed the rather odd sentence breaks. They added to the non-traditional subject matter.
“Then, one day, young Edward read
the whimsical Alice in Wonderland
and the frightfully gruesome Dracula,
one after the other.
A strange combination
that captured his imagination like
a penguin sipping tea
on a runaway train.”
The illustrations are evocative of Gorey’s voice, but are not rendered in ink line. A smart decision which allows the reader to understand that this is a story about Edward Gorey, not an artist’s imitation of his work. Chloe Bristol ‘s drawings are full of character on their own merit. Her depictions of Edward in his fur coat and converse sneakers shows us that Edward is not at all a conformist.
Lori Mortensen lists anagrams that Edward used as pen names throughout his career and Chloe gives each of these their own, unique, and very humorous attributes.
As we read the quirky word choices, and as we look at the whimsical illustrations, it becomes very clear that Edward Gorey was not afraid to express his own, unique outlook and artistic vision.
Thank heavens.
And now, here are the winners of the board book Sometimes You Fly Giveaway. I want to thank all who shared stories of their graduates’ missed ceremonies. It does not belittle their enormous accomplishments! Congratulations to all!
The winners are: (I really did cut the names out and drew them out of a bowl. Two stuck together, so I am giving away 6 books)
Judith Aplin, Danielle Hammelef, Pat Kellerman, Ericka Humphrey, Sara Snaza, Monika Seelig Ruiz
Please email me through my website (jbreinhardt.com) with your address. I will get them out to you asap.
This book look fascinating! I cannot wait to read it!!!!!
It was really fun, Debra. Especially for an Edward Gorey fan!
I have to get this book! Reminds me of my son!!
Hi Mary, you must have a very interesting son! How wonderful. Thanks for visiting PBB today!
Looks like and interesting read. I love the art.
I think it’s very cleverly done. Hope you enjoy it. Thank you, Cindy!
I am so excited about this book from this talented author — can’t wait to be a part of the nonsense! XO
Hah! Exactly— It’s fun to escape into Edward Gorey’s world. Especially right now! Thank you!
What a great subject for a biography. I can’t wait to read and learn more about Edward Gorey.
I hope you like the book, Claire! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting on our blog today!
I will always associate Gorey with PBS’ Mystery! opening title sequence animations. I know I will enjoy this book. Congrats Lori and Chloe!
Cathy, as I read what you wrote I can hear that fainting woman sigh! Thanks for visiting and for giving me that fun memory.
I am so thrilled that i won the sometimes you fly
My address is
Pat Kellerman
7302 River Rd
Sigel PA 15860
Congratulations, Pat! I’ll get the book out to you soon!
I’m such an Edward Gorey fan that I can’t wait to read this book! What a fascinating subject for a PB bio. And the illustrations complement the text perfectly. I’m ready for some NONSENSE!
Well, I predict that you will love it, Linda! Enjoy!
I love Edward Gorey too, Jennifer. This book looks fabulous — love the illustrations!
He certainly was not afraid to be his own, unique self. I hope you get to see the book, soon!
I love the quirkiness of this! How fun
Hi Karla! I hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for visiting!
This book makes me think of both The Addams Family as well as the middle grade series A Series of Unfortunate Events. I enjoy the weirdness.
Hi Danielle, yes, the book speaks about being inspirational for Lemony Snicket and Tim Burton. There’s very informative back matter. Thanks!
Edward Gorey illustrated the Treehorn series by the late Florence Parry Heide, my first mentor. Thank you for letting us know about this book.
That’s wonderful, Karen! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and share.
Great book and post! Thanks!
Sure! Thanks, Suzanne!
Even though I’m not a big Edward Gorey fan, I always respect writers and artists who present their own, unique vision of the world. I’d rather see something distinctive — even if it’s not really my taste — than a pleasant picture book that reminds me of many others. Thanks for showing us more about Gorey.
Thank you, Janet, for stopping by and commenting on our blog today. I agree that it’s wonderful that everything and everyone is not alike.
It looks like my kind of book.
Hope you like it! Thanks for visiting today!
This looks like a great book to read! The illustrations have so much personality! Can’t wait.
Hope you enjoy it, Angie, thanks!
Can’t wait to read this and drool over the illustrations and the text. I went to the Gorey house on Cape Cod a few years ago and was fascinated by his quirky collections. What a great subject for a bio!
My parents went there a few times, too. We were planning to go in September when we went back for a wedding… but… alas…
I would love to go there. I find it so inspirational when an artist expresses their own, unique voice. What a character! Thanks for visiting and commenting. I think you will really like the book!
Wow! This is an amazingly attractive book…both story and illustrations.
Hi Kathy! I hope you enjoy it if you read it. It’s fun and different. Thanks for visiting!
This book looks incredibly fascinating! When I saw the illustrations, I thought it would be a good book to pair with Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey. The tone and the mood of the books’ illustrations are similar.
Terrific idea, Annette! Thank you so much!
Gorey is one of my greatest influences as an writer. This book looks wonderful.
Well, then I think you will love it, David! Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Wow–this looks amazing, Jennifer! LOVE the art so much! Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you, Maria. Hope you like the book!
Yes! We need more NONSENSE. 🙂 So excited about this book!
Indeed we do, Jill! It’s a wonderful book!
Hurrah! Another intriguing junior biography to add to mt TBR list. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.
Thank you, LeeAnn for taking the time to visit and comment!
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