The Man Who Lost His Head: 04/23/10

Recently my library put together a display highlighting classic children's books. I brought home a few of them to share with my children, including The Man Who Lost His Head by Claire Huchet Bishop.

The illustrations are what make this book. They were done by the artist who did the pictures for Make Way For Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal and Homer Price among others.

A man wakes up the day after a trip to the county fair to find his head missing. His last memory is of the fair and he figures he has to go back there to find it. He makes for himself a number of dummy heads until he finds one that doesn't turn heads as he makes his way to the fair.

The story is surreal, funny and creepy all at once. It's as off the wall as an Edward Gorey book and just as memorable. The book was put back in print recently so it's readily available. If you see a copy at your library, check it out.

Comments (4)

Comment #1: Friday, April, 23, 2010 at 20:02:59

Whitney

I loved Make Way For Ducklings! The Man Who Lost His Head does sound extremely creepy, but a good creepy.

Comment #2: Monday, April 26, 2010 at 22:29:00

Pussreboots

It's surreal, creepy and humorous all at once.

Comment #3: Saturday, April, 24, 2010 at 07:39:07

Jeane

I love Robert McCloskey's illustrations. I never heard of this book before!

Comment #4: Monday, April 26, 2010 at 22:31:37

Pussreboots

I hadn't either but it was on display in the front of the children's library.