Anonymouse

by Vikki VanSickle, Anna Pirolli (illustrator)

Animal-friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a 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.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2021

About the author

Reader, writer, Taurus. My work ranges from cozy mysteries featuring snarky detectives to contemporary middle grade fiction to magical, storytime-ready picture books. I am always exploring a new writing era.

Currently, I live and work in Toronto. Everything I do, I do for my cat.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anonymouse is a unique picture book focusing on art.

This book initially flew over my head until I read some more reviews on it. In that regards, I think it is slightly confusing. I figured it was art, and I figured it was cute everyone agreed to be artsy to make up for Anonymouse's disappearance... but it still felt like it was missing a little something.

Those who understand the references will appreciate it more. Perhaps I wasn't the ideal reader. I do think it's a fun, little picture book that kids will find fun to read.

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Chance Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if Banksy loved hot pink and was a mouse

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children’s book! The illustrations are magnificent. My eyes poured over all the details, soaking up all the interesting, three dimensional stories. The art work will jump off the pages when you open this up. This little mouse has talent and mystery that will bring any small child back to it again and again.

I highly recommend if you love great artistically done illustrations.

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada via Netgalley for this beautiful ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations with great pops of colour in a story about art in public spaces. But this is art actually for the animals in the public spaces of a city, made by the little artist Anonymouse.

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vikki Van Sickle is one of our favourite authors. Her stories are always one of those big warm hugs full of love. In her new book, Anonymouse she examines the world as a canvas.

Drawing inspiration from street artist Banksy, Anonymouse is an artist who sees a concrete wall as a canvas and leaves their mark in brilliant and unusual ways. Sometimes the art is funny and sometimes it makes the other animals think. The animals enjoy the art of Anonymouse and miss it when it stops. Rather than be sad, they take up the challenge themselves to create in their city while Anonymouse travels the world continuing to make statements and beautify.

Vikki Van Sickle’s writing is flawless and so impeccable. This book has very few words in it, the least amount of any of her picture books thus far and is definitely the most poignant. While we always need art in our lives, we are in a time where we need art is increasingly vital. As we are stuck at home in lockdown situations, as the world is fighting for equality and justice, we need books like Anonymouse to remind us of the power of one little person, one work of art to start a conversation and to make change.

The art by Anna Pirolli is perfection. I am a huge fan of the purple and pink colour palette chosen. It does not come across as overly feminine, it just feels like the perfect choice to highlight the dullness of the city and the vibrancy of Anonymouse’s art. Bravo to the whole team responsible for this story!

[Ms Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say right upfront that I am the biggest fan of VanSickle's previous book If I Had a Gryphon. I've read it to hundreds of kids at this point and it is a crowd favourite. I had high expectations going into reading this one aloud as well. Unfortunately while I love the art, text, and theme, I think it is a little too high concept for kids in K-2 to understand. They loved the mouse and the funny and bright art but the bigger theme of the pieces and how the animals saw them was missed and had to be discussed. I also had to explain anonymous, the word meaning as well.

And that's okay that a book is better suited to an older audience, just for my purposes it wasn't what I expected. I really like the art and message and I think kids in grades 4 and up would be better able to understand what the book is trying to say.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day art begins to appear.

Art for mice.

Art for bats.

Art for the birds.

And all of it was signed, "Anonymouse."

A celebration of street art throughout the animal community.

[Nadia L. Hohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetic, light, fun, whimsical. A Banksyesque mouse 🐁 in a world with an animal cast.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeously illustrated story looks at how public art, even gorilla art like Banksy can enliven the lives of a city’s citizens. The story is simple, but it works on all levels. It makes one want to go out and start making art of their own.

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Vikki VanSickle (Teddy Bear of the Year illustrated by Sydney Hanson), and illustrated by Anna Pirolli ( I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) written by Davide Cali), Anonymouse is a gorgeously inventive and rousing story. When “a tired city rat [makes] her way home” one day, she discovers it “transformed”. A trail of hot pink, like a red carpet, leads to city rat’s home in the wall, itself painted like a glowing, curtained entrance. Over in another part of the city, “a colony of bats” are getting ready for “a good day’s sleep”when they notice an “unusual” (and funny) wink to an underdressed Batman. The bats notice that “no explanation” has been left by the artwork, “only a name”: Anonymouse. After the discoveries by city rat and the bats, animals start to spot the work of Anonymouse “everywhere”: on building roofs, close to the ground, even in parks! While some of Anonymouse’s art is playful and fun, some of the art is “serious...[making] the animals of the city think”. When the initial buzz and discoveries of Anonymouse’s art start to wane, however, it seems that the very existence of Anonymouse and the experience of their art has forever transformed the animals and their city. Vikki VanSickle’s storytelling is wonderful here, making Anonymouse simultaneously quick-witted and incisive. The story is matched to perfection with fantastic illustrations by Anna Pirolli- made even more impactful thanks to the carefully selective colour palette. Likely to stir discussion about street art, anonymity, creators, and who art can and should be for, Anonymouse is also wonderfully energetic and may stir artists (of any age!) into action and/or new perspectives. If read and shared in a group or classroom setting (perhaps upper elementary and on?), it might make for some fascinating and fun research to pair Anonymouse with a dive into the work of Banksy and/or other street artists! If you are interested in even more art exploration, you can pair Anonymouse with Madeline Kloepper’s Outside Art, or other similarly themed picture books! Extras: Be sure to check out Vikki VanSickle’s website for The Anonymouse Challenge- suggested (Covid-19 safe) activities to go along with Anonymouse!

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Lucien Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is honestly so cute. I heard about it on Twitter and instantly knew I needed it. With an adorable style for the illustrations and a ridiculously cute concept, kids of all kinds are sure to love this one.

[Melanie McFarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about street art and the ways it can help us see the beauty of an urban landscape. Classrooms can use this book in lesson planning and have children come up with their own ways to see the playground or school structures different.

Review will be posted Nov 8, 2020 on blog.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cheeky, uplifting picturebook that is a definite nod to Banksy's work and the power of art to transform people. Using the brightest pink paint to bring happiness to the grey pall of human life, the mysterious painter goes out of his way to make his fellow animals smile. It might involve illuminating a sewer path home for a lonely rat or painting a target on a lampost for a couple of passing dogs; all species are considered with a daub of humour or love.

But what happens when Anonymouse suddenly stops producing his work? Do the animals go back to their dull lives? Not at all! Inspired, they bring their own creativity and colour into the world and Anonymouse moves onwards knowing that 'the world is his canvas'.

Children will delight in the artist's antics and will enjoy pointing out his mark and the messages (some deep and powerful on the destruction of man and some simply fun - they await interpretation dependent upon the reader). With return readings they will begin to understand what is being said here about the power of art to change a world - and that's a good thing indeed.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this picture book about the value of public art, brilliant splashes of color appear over a mostly monochrome background, and even though none of the city's animals know who is creating this art, it affects them all in different ways, improving their quality of life and imagination. The story is simple enough for a child to follow easily, with straightforward text and pictures, and can start discussions about the impact and value of anonymous artistic endeavors.

Even though this story's theme will appeal more to adults than children, the picture book works for both audiences, especially because the splashes of color are so bright and eye-catching. This could be fun for a library storytime, for a teacher to share with an art class, and for families to read together. I enjoyed it, and am glad that I had a chance to read it.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My attention was first captured by the clever title of the book - Anonymouse. And soon, it became a journey and discovery of imagination and far deeper meaning than one would think possible as we discover the artwork left behind by Anonymouse. Anonymouse is going around the city, leaving his mark and creating artwork that makes the animals - and his readers think hard. Some thoughts are funny and amusing. Others are clever and seem to be a comment on human society. There is definitely a thought-provoking element to this story and lots to discuss with children as they delve into the story. As an educator, I already know that I would love to use this book in the classroom.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the concept and idea behind this book. Creating art out of everything, redesigning city and the love or art, well at least it's what I made out of it, but the way the book bring the subject, present its own concept is just not deep enough, we might stay a bit too much on the surface of it all. I think the idea could have been work out better or executed a bit differently... It was okay, but it could have been great!

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Vikki VanSickle and Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a cute story about art and how it can make us see the world differently. I love the illustrations and the splashes of colour that appear whenever Anonymouse appears. Simple sentences and bright colours will make this a good book to read out loud.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this, even if you don't know how Banksy is or who Christo and Jeanne-Claude were. I have to admit it didn't quite click with me. Maybe because I wanted a bit more narration, somehow. The reference to Anonymouse as "he" threw me, too... how was that assumption formed? In fact, how is it known they're a mouse?

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anonymouse is the Banksy of the animal world! This is a great book about an anonymous artist Anonymouse who creates art out in the real world that makes you think. 4 stars.

[Amy (novelteahappyme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vikki VanSickle has written yet another charming picture book that both adults and kiddos are certain to adore.

At first glance, “Anonymouse” offers a simple story of an unknown artist and their trail of urban paintings scattered across an unspecified city. Yet with closer examination, a deeper message appears - one that reminds readers of the transformative power art holds and the way in which the medium of graffiti or “street art” so often reveals an important social commentary on the world around us. With multiple entry points and a variety of ways to understand this story, Van Sickle has created a picture book that not only holds all ages appeal but also offers a gentle nudge to remember the power of perspective.

There is a lovely visual whimsy offered in the tonal grey, white, purple and pink illustrations from Anna Pirolli. This colour scheme is not only kid-friendly (well, let’s be honest it’s also one this reviewer would eagerly use in each and every room if she could) but also helps enhance the story’s genuine quirkiness. With Anonymouse’s signature pink paintings, the grey concrete city acts as a blank canvas for art that not only interacts with it’s citizens - both animal and human - but also communicates a message that offers a unique perspective on our world and the way we, as living things, interact with our surroundings.

Could not love this picture book anymore.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Books for an Egalley ARC in lieu of a honest review.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute picture book for kids with unexpected depth! On the surface, we have a story about Anonymouse, an anonymous street artist, who begins doing art around an unnamed city- a bull's eye at the bottom of a lamppost for dogs to aim at when doing their business, a group of satellite dishes on top of a building painted to look like flowers- creating bright spots in an otherwise drab city. When Anonymouse moves on to another place, the city dwellers miss the artworks, and are inspired to do their own, which makes for a sweet story taken at face value. But look a little deeper, and you'll find some great messages; how public art can brighten up a bleak city, how it can add a spark of color, humor, and/or thought-provoking image into people's lives. How art can convey a statement about an issue, such as Anonymouse's piece with painted shadows for trees no longer there, showing the creatures that used to live in them, coming from a couple of stumps, in a more immediate context than words, and reach more people. It can inspire others to create art of their own, to make their own mark on the world. Wrap this all up with some super cute, evocative illustrations, and you've got an awesome book!

#NetGalley

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Street Art is all the rage right now and there are some amazing and well-known street artists out there. This is the story of Anonymouse, a mouse that creates street art for the animals. I loved the beauty and simplicity of the street art and certainly would recommend this little book be used in an art classroom as a simple introduction to that, but I saw more in the message. Besides the art and perhaps a pop of color here or there, I saw a bleak and dark world. We are wreaking havoc on the world and nature and this was a reminder of that to me. With these images by Anna Pirolli, Vikki VanSickle's text had me thinking, smiling and wanting more. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Kathy Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley for a free and honest opinion. The illustrations are beautiful. Art is being created in the city for animals. Nothing is too high or too low. every medium can be used. What an ingenious way to tell children that anything can be art. Now this story does not go into far out there art, but animals are painted and become part of installations, Stars are added and unicorns. The artist is a strange little creature of it own design. Look and the pictures and find a young person to show art in the world.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this nod to Banksy, an anonymous mouse creates art for creatures in an unnamed city. Anonymouse provides a unique perspective for these animals. It delights them. Sometimes it makes them laugh. Sometimes it makes them think.
Even after Anonymouse disappears and moves on, the world of the animals is changed forever. They have learned to see and create beauty in their own ways.
Anna Pirolli's palette of hot pink, purples and browns was created digitally.
I really appreciated the idea that art can change how we view the world. I only wish that Anonymouse had been ungendered.

[Larissa Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This picture book was very mysterious about the various paintings being left around the city. I loved the use of color to highlight certain points of the story. It was very well drawn and well written. I just wished more happened. It seemed like a great idea, but then the author left me wanting more. Maybe that was the intention? Either way, I would recommend this picture book and I look forward to more from this author.

[Jennifer Noonan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I get the reference to Banksy, the intended audience of preschool children will not. It will appeal to them as a story of a mischievous, artistic do-gooder, spreading joy to the community. Unless it is coupled with an art history lesson, there will not be more for them than that. The illustrations are fun, but don’t make up for the lack of cohesive story to warrant more than a one-time reading.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is the strong point of this book. The style is similar to "On a Magical Do-Nothing Day" . The plot feels lacking to me. The animals of the city supposedly change as a result of Anonymouse's art. It doesn't feel like a believable, justified ending.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Adding art to our dreary little lives, no matter the art form (paintings, sculptures, comic books, music, graffitis) makes us a little bit more colourful, happy, dare I say human!

My only question is this: where will Anonymouse go next?

Anonymouse will be available on February 9th, 2021.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With just a few words and perfectly done art by Anna Pirolli, Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle brings across the importance of art as it brings joy, beauty, and sparkle to our daily lives, and the hole it would leave if taken away. This is a book for everyone, that can speak to all, no matter our age or reading level.

[Read_by_KAT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is really cute book about seeing the world around you in different ways. It’s art style is very engaging for younger readers with the bright pink being the signifier.

Not many words so quick read for young audiences

Thanks you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to review