Anonymouse
Author: Vikki VanSickle
Illustrator: Anna Pirolli
9 February 2021
Tundra Books
40 pages
I’ve always liked street art, and the work of Banksy seems to serve as an inspiration for this fine, fun tale.
Book description from Goodreads: “Animal-friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a name: Anonymouse. For fans of Sidewalk Flowers and Art & Max.
Art for the birds.
Art for the ants.
Art for the dogs, cats, and raccoons.
Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home.
But who is creating it?
Only Anonymouse knows for sure …
This clever tale mixes street art, animals, and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature’s spirit — human or animal — when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli’s stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of colour and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle’s subtle but evocative text.”
Need some reviews of Anonymouse?
Educational Activities inspired by Anonymouse:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- Where and when do you think this story takes place?
- What do you think this story will be about?
- What’s strange about the A in the title?
- If you don’t know the word “anonymous,” here’s the definition!
- Why do you think the artist chose the bright pink berry color to use on the cover?
- What kind of animals do you see on the front and back cover?
- Are there any that surprise you?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book:
- Which of Anonymouse’s pieces of art did you like the most?
- Why do you think Anonymouse kept his identity a secret?
- How did you feel when Anonymouse seemed to vanish from the story? (“There hadn’t been anything new from Anonymouse in a long time.”)
- Is Anonymouse gone for good?
- If not, why not?
- In what ways were the animals affected by the artwork of Anonymouse?
- What other story/book/film/tv show does Anonymouse remind you of?
- Writing–There are a number of mysteries at the heart of this story.
- Who IS Anonymouse?
- Why does Anonymouse choose to remain anonymous?
- Where does Anonymouse go when he’s not creating public art?
- Why does he give away his art versus sell it or display it in a gallery or museum?
- Take any one of these as inspiration, then write a brief story that explains the answer. Handle it in any way you that you choose–silly, serious, scary, weird. When you’re done, consider sharing it with a friend or adult. (Artists of all types–including Anonymouse–love to share their work with others.)
- Art–Clearly this is a book about creating visual art. Use crayons, colored pencils, or makers to create your own artistic response to it. If an adult agrees and will supervise, perhaps let your canvas be a wall, a sidewalk, or anything like Anonymouse used in the story! Otherwise, paper or poster board is still a terrific option. Consider sharing your artwork with a friend or adult, and explain your creative choices.
- Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an art- or mouse-loving adult to help:
- Big Paper Mouse–This one’s got a video to show you every step.
- Easy Paper Mouse Craft–This one makes a lovely mouse–no doubt about it!
- Even Easier Paper Mouse Craft–Perfect for Valentine’s Day or just because. All you need are paper, scissors, and glue.
- Styrofoam Mouse Craft–Just ignore when they slip and start calling it a “handprint chicken craft.” The rest is all good and it really does make a super-cool mouse!
- Toilet Paper Roll Mouse–This requires printing a template, but other than that, it’s quite doable and cute.
- Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about amazing mice have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information about these titles!)
