CUDDLY CRITTERS
Pattersons team for another ‘genius’ book
The world is a strange and wonderful place. It’s home to animals whose eyes weigh more than their heads, fish that look like blobs when they surface and birds that are such powerful fliers they can knock down a grown man.
Tarsiers, blobfish and snowy owls — the creatures we’ve just described — are among more than 50 featured in “Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses.” The book, released Monday by JIMMY Patterson Books, an imprint of Little, Brown and Co., is the second in a children’s series written by mega-novelist James Patterson and his wife, Susan. Like the first, “Big Words for Little Geniuses,” it is illustrated by Hsinping Pan.
Aimed at youngsters ages 2 to 6—andt heir parents and grandparents — the book is designed to entertain as well as educate. Amusing illustrations of the critters are paired with short texts featuring fun facts about them.
“If it’s not fun for kids, they won’t read the book,” James Pat- terson said. “It’s a lot of fun to learn about birds, fish and animals. It gets them thinking and curious. That’s what learning is — being curious.”
The little genius books aren’t run-of-the-mill picture books, he said. “This isn’t dumbed down. It’s smartened up.”
The Palm Beach resident has spearheaded a number of projects along the same lines, such as his “Kid Stew” magazine-style television show hosted by children and
the new Max Einstein adventure science series for middle school readers, which is scheduled for release Oct. 8.
Not all the critters in the book could be described as “cuddly.” For example, female blanket octopuses can grow to more than 6 feet, although the one illustrated in the book sports a flower.
The writers looked for creatures that would be appealing to illustrate and had traits that would amuse or intrigue readers, Sue Patterson said.
Her husband, who has collaborated with many writers, says working with his wife is a lot like partnering with President Bill Clinton, with whom he wrote the thriller “The President is Missing.”
“They both boss me around,” he said.
But seriously, “I have simple things I want in a collaborator,” he said. “If it’s not like that, I walk away. You have mutual respect and then you listen. I have a lot of respect for Sue’s intelligence and sense of heart.”
Will there be another little genius book? James Patterson hedges.
His wife said, “I have a great time doing it. I loved the experience.”
“It sounds like we’re doing another book,” her husband said.
“Big Words for Little Geniuses” sold well for a children’s book and even placed on The New York Times’ best-seller list for children’s picture books, he said.
Nearly 300 people attended a Q&A and book signing with the Pattersons in September at Bank Square Books in Mystic, Connecticut, event manager Elissa Sweet said. The store sold 150 copies at the event.
The Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach has both books on order, said Kathy Hage, youth services supervisor.
The books also are available at Classic Bookshop and The Palm Beach Book Store. Patterson plans to hold a book signing for “Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses” around the December holidays at Classic Bookshop.