Cricketa: Tommy Wengel

Author: Tommy Wungel
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Feed Cricketa milk, knit sweaters for it, set up a cozy and unique bedroom for it, take it shopping and for walks; even as Mrs. Potter's teacher, take it to class—this class is particularly interesting—Cricketa uses its own body to model English letters and numbers, making it both fun and vivid, and the quality of the lesson is undeniable. It also plays with the children (of course, both boys and girls enjoy it equally) and is always happy to help. In dangerous emergencies, Cricketa even saved Mrs. Potter, punished the thief, and as a result, received a hero's medal, earning recognition and praise. The humor, wisdom, and bravery of this snake are fully displayed. We can hardly feel that it is the reptile feared by people—snakes. It has completely integrated into our lives, wearing clothes, drinking coffee, shopping, and even possessing a heroic nature—helping others, punishing bad guys, and maintaining social order. Of course, we humans will also remember this hero, not only erecting a bronze statue of Cricketa but also naming a park after it, "Cricketa." It seems that humans and certain so-called dangerous animals can live together harmoniously. In a small French town, the elegant Mrs. Potter receives a birthday gift from her son—a large snake! Even more strangely, after the elegant Mrs. Potter confirms that the snake is not venomous at the zoo, she begins to love it as if it were a child. Yet, before you can even think about how absurd this is, the author guides you into the story. The story is fresh, lively, and every detail is handled perfectly. Unconsciously, you will be drawn into the plot, captivated by the cute image of the snake and its ever-changing poses. Gradually, you become immersed in the atmosphere created by the story, and everything seems perfectly normal, as if the story is telling something vivid and always visible: Mrs. Potter, who dedicates herself to caring for Cricketa, is so humorous and, the relationship between Mrs. Potter and Cricketa is so natural and harmonious, and the children who can play with Cricketa are so enviable! This is the "magic" of Wungel's picture book art. Wungel often uses those so-called "negative characters" or unpopular images as the protagonists in his works, creating unique and charming picture book stars. Just as Sun Wukong reshaped the image of monkeys in our minds, Cricketa has also changed the image of snakes in people's minds. Seeing the smart and considerate Cricketa, you might think, "Why didn't I like snakes before?" It seems that "disliking snakes" is such an incredible thing. The prejudice of hating and fearing snakes may gradually fade from your heart. To discover the cute and approachable demeanor in loathsome and frightening things is how amazing imagination can be! Open up Cricketa and let us, along with our children, slowly appreciate and experience this imagination!