Holbrook: A Lizard's Tale

by Bonny Becker, Abby Carter (Illustrations)

Holbrook loves to paint. He HAS to paint. But no one in the dusty town of Rattler’s Bend understands how important art is. Hoping to find someone who will appreciate his artistic efforts, the young lizard sets off for Golden City, where he encounters a colorful cast of characters, from singing snails to scruffy pigeons. The elegant mink and renowned art patron Count Rainier Rumolde takes Holbrook under his paw and introduces him to the great artists of the day, among them the prima ballerina Margot Frogtayne and the amazing tenor Enrico Escargot.

But not all that glitters is gold, and Holbrook soon finds himself trapped in a frightening world he didn’t know existed. His only chance at escape is to rely on the few tools at his disposal—imagination, courage, and newfound friends.

Hilarious black-and-white drawings illustrate the zany cast of characters in this charming story about a lizard's desire to show his true colors. Author's note.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Bonny Becker is the author of a number of award-winning picture books and middle-grade novels. She lives in Seattle.

Reviews

[Jacob Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a lizard who must use his wits and artistic skill to escape from a dangerous situation. It's a great adventure story for kids.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holbrook is a great character who leaves behind his unsatisfactory but safe life in the desert to start anew in the big city. He takes his painting "Starry Night" and hopes to enter it into a contest. But along the way, he's hoodwinked, and imprisoned in a basement where he is ordered to paint desert scenes all day. This is a great satire on how many American corporations imprison their workers in humiliating and unsustainable conditions to extract as much work from them as possible. (Usually, but not always overseas.) Of course, Holbrook saves the day and sets everyone free. Cute as a story or an introduction to how corporations profit from low-paid workers. I would recommend this book highly to children for enjoyment and for adults who enjoy a little satire.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book by Bonny Becker. It took me a few chapters to develop an interest in Holbrook's character but I had to admit that Holbrook reminds me of me trying to write a picture book. He feels laughed at and in my critique group they always find my work lacking and needing much work. Holbrook saves the other animals and it all ends well for him after going to the big city and meeting other famous animals. Interesting read for middle grade elementary students.