Scribbles and Ink

Scribbles and Ink

by Ethan Long (Illustrator)

Two artists, two styles, and one book that may not be big enough for the both of them. See, Ink (the mouse) likes things to be clean and precise. Scribbles (the cat) is the opposite. But while there should be plenty of room for each of them to make their art without getting in each others way, or on each others nerves, THEY CAN'T MANAGE THAT! And from there paint splatters, ink goops, pencils get broken and brushes go wild until...it's not a work of art, IT'S A MESS! Discovering that they are no longer having any fun, the duo tentatively tries to collaborate instead of clobber, and, thus, a disasterpiece becomes a masterpiece. Include a giant fold-out and a detachable sketchpad. With this much creative friction, will this disaster-piece ever become a masterpiece?

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Graphic Novels, Cats

36 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

Ethan Long is a popular, award-winning and internationally recognized children's book author and illustrator with over 70 children's books, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and an Emmy-nominated television series to his credit. Just about all of his awake time is spent writing stories, drawing pictures and spending time with his family. Since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 1991, Ethan has never stopped evolving, challenging his creative approach with each new project while constantly honing his instantly identifiable style. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, his childhood memories serve as inspiration for many of his drawings and stories. He currently lives with his wife and three children in beautiful Orlando, Florida, USA and flip flops seamlessly between being a world famous children's book author and a stay-at-home dad.

Reviews

[Heydi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight. What an adventure these to have with their painting and coloring rivalry. Their banter is hilarious and well timed. This tale as well as the many others in the series are sure to be an instant hit. I love the meta fiction aspect of this story as well.

I would pair this with I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont, Art by Patrick McDonnell, Chester by Melanie Watt, Seen Art by Jon Scieszka, A Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnell, and The Day The Crayons Returned by Drew Daywait.

[Victoria Whipple]

Scribbles and Ink are a cat and a mouse, one of which likes to draw, the other to paint. They argue about who's the best, and that argument takes the form of them first trolling each other with threatening drawings/paintings, then chasing each other splattering paint and pencil lines all over the page. Finally, they work together on their versions of well-known works of art. Black and white cartoon drawings, with Ink in solid black lines and fill, while Scribbles outline is more jagged and scribbled looking. Yellow, red and blue fill out the limited pallet.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom and Jerry for a new generation. Ink likes to paint, Scribbles like to draw, and they both think the others work stinks. But they are a clever mouse and cat, who set out to destroy one another in a Tom and Jerry way that is a pleasure to read. Will they get along?? Did the coyote ever catch the Road Runner? Hummmmm maybe, maybe not.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two artists with two different styles argue about who is really the best. Partway through they discover how much fun it is to work together with their two styles.
Use for art appreciation - they duplicate several famous paintings; getting along; celebrating differences.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book for aspiring artists.

[Brianna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach about friendship and for budding artists!

[Ashlea]

First they don’t like each other then they do sometimes all this does not fit in my head and it makes it explode and make me go coo coo crazy like a coo coo crazy girl and that is not coo coo good

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The back and forth between these characters is definitely reminiscent of Tom and Jerry. Love the inclusion of so many historical artists in the storyline.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute art-themed book about two frenemies who learn to work together and respect each other’s work. Entertaining.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scribbles and Ink are living drawings, I think, and they both love art, but they argue over which is better: drawings or paintings. The get into fight which create art.

[Nuqksh Sapra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ink is the mouse and Scribbles is the cat. Ink likes to paint, Scribbles likes to draw, and they both think the others work is the worst artwork they've ever seen.

[Elliot Stiert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two artists learn to appreciate differences and work together to create cool new artwork!

[Rachel Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah S.

[Danielnson17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: Art teachers would love this. Artist that inspired the book are Grant wood, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock,Roy Lichtenstein, Salvador Dalí, René François Ghislain Magritte, Pablo Picasso and Pieter Cornelis "Piet" Mondriaan. Children are encouraged to guess which artist inspired each or the painting (illustrations) in the book.

This would work for an elemantary storytime. However, the illustrations are somewhat busy for younger children to follow in a group setting.

Two artists, two styles, and one book that may not be big enough for the both of them. See, Ink (the mouse) likes things to be clean and precise. Scribbles (the cat) is the opposite. But while there should be plenty of room for each of them to make their art without getting in each others way, or on each others nerves, THEY CAN'T MANAGE THAT! And from there paint splatters, ink goops, pencils get broken and brushes go wild until...it's not a work of art, IT'S A MESS! Discovering that they are no longer having any fun, the duo tentatively tries to collaborate instead of clobber, and, thus, a disasterpiece becomes a masterpiece. Include a giant fold-out and a detachable sketchpad. With this much creative friction, will this disaster-piece ever become a masterpiece?


Subjects
Puzzle book/Seek and find

Artists -- Juvenile fiction.

Cooperativeness -- Juvenile fiction.

Cats -- Juvenile fiction


Mice -- Juvenile fiction

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a DRC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this one purely for the art. I thought it looked like a quirky, fun book. This is first book I’ve read by Ethan Long, but it looks like he’s published quite a few. I think I’ll be checking out more of his work. According to Long’s website, these characters may appear on television in the future. I think they’re a perfect fit for the TV.

Scribbles and Ink are two different artists with different styles. Ink in the painter, and he loves precision. Scribbles likes to draw with a rough flair. They can’t seem to agree to disagree about their artistic differences and instead turn to knock-down, drag-out art fight.

This one feels a lot like Tom and Jerry with an artistic spin. Of course rather than playing the classic cat-and-mouse game, these two would rather insult each other. As the argument escalates, the two begin retaliating by drawing or painting—for example, Ink draws a dog to scare Scribbles. It’s a good book for readers who like a lot of action and antics. I loved both of the characters, and chuckled along. In the fashion of most children’s books, there’s a lesson a message. This one, in particular, is one most children need to learn: it’s important to learn to work together. I highly recommend this book to readers ages 6+.

Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just got back from a week long vacation to find this (personally) highly anticipated book. I LOVED "The Book That Zack Wrote" and could hardly wait to get my hands on "Scribbles and Ink". I was expecting something slightly different, however I enjoyed it just as much. I am slightly disappointed that www.blueapplebooks.com doesn't have the sketchbook available just yet. My favorite page is just before the closing end paper as it gives a brief description of each of the artists featured on the preceding page and allows the reader to guess which one belongs to each re-imagined painting. There is a bit of silliness involved with the story as the characters do "come off" the page a bit in a "Harold and the Purple Crayon" or "The Three Pigs" as told by David Wiesner sort of way. I'm trying to think of the other book I read recently that used this format.... "Dancing Dinos"... it was a leveled reader. I enjoy the technique as it brings the book to life and removes the confines of the two dimensional paper world. I particularly like that the world that Scribbles and Ink live in is drawn in a simple grey without any colorization while the things they produce are vivid and filled with color. (So long as those colors are blue, red, yellow and black possibly as an homage to Piet Mondrian?)

[Talisa Timms]

This book is about two characters who happen to create art differently. One uses scribbles, while the other uses ink. The two are convinced that their own way is the best. They begin to argue about who is the better artist. They then accidently create artwork with both scribbles and ink. They realize that their art is better together and that they should appreciate one another. This book can be used to show children that they should use their individuality and differences to create something beautiful!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of this book is ingenious, and it definitely deserves a place in school libraries and art classrooms. What a fun way to talk about art, especially the type you create yourself.

I didn't appreciate the illustrations as much as I would have wanted to, the combination of rough drawing, realistic elements (pencils) and did not work for me. However, the ideas presented are brilliant, the glass, the dog etc.

[Malinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! This book is great for elementary students. The reading is simple and I love the illustrations!

It is a story about Scribbles (Cat) and Ink (Mouse) who are "frenemies" and think that one of them is better than the other artistically. They decide to battle each other with their weapon of choice--a pencil and a paint brush to see who is the better artist! They go back-in-forth and it is great book to talk about both Art and friendship.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, and I hope others find it as entertaining as I did. It is a fairly simple book illustration-wise, but I still think it one that should be considered for the Caldecott Award. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and definitely add to the story, which in itself is a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice early literacy tie-in to writing/drawing. I loved the artist references too! Scribbles and Ink are both artists, but don't appreciate each others style. This leads to some mischief, and they end up realizing that both styles are valid and worthwhile. The messy illustration style is perfect in representing the artistic styles of each character and the mess their conflict creates.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scribbles the Cat and Ink the Mouse are frenemies, battling it out for who is the better artist through their art. Their fights have levity to them, so you are never afraid that it's going to come to blows, and how they make up and become friends is endearing as well. Students will laugh throughout their struggles, as they learn a bit about art and artists as well. For ages five and up.

[Stephanie Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another surprise pick by Katie that everyone has enjoyed. I love the way the cat and mouse come together with their artistic abilities to draw an oversized "portrait of a friendship". The end pages provide additional information about many great artists that "inspired" Scribbles and Ink. This book is a sure pick for my elementary students.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book for parents or educators to share and work around an art activity. There are just as many ways to do art as their are people who like them. Your job is to look at them all and find your favorite style or styles.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about 2 people who don't agree and one big fight that brings them together. Following the story is a brief review of some famous artists and their signature styles and an invitation to readers to download a blank sketchbook and write their own story/draw their own pictures.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this one. The back and forth between the mouse and cat and the use of pen and brush as "weapons" was great. Loved the integration of references to real art pieces.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute enough story and illustrations. The extra star is for its extreme versatility in classroom use! I can't wait to use it to kick off our art for the year.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun addition of famous artists in the illustrations, and it's printed on very nice quality paper.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the back and forth of the cat and mouse. It reminded me of Tom and Jerry. I think my second graders would really enjoy this book!