Check It Out - Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea

LEVI STRAUSS GETS A BRIGHT IDEA (written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Stacy Innerst)

What better way to illustrate a book about Levi Strauss than to apply your acrylics straight onto Levi jeans?  “Dang,” said illustrator Stacy Innerst, “that’s just what I’ll do.”  His grained and earthy paintings are a perfect accompaniment to this raucous tall tale about Levi Strauss and the California Gold Rush. 

Arriving too late to make panning for gold profitable and seeing all of those men naked or in barrels, “Dang,” said Levi Strauss, “these men need pants that last.”  The brief tale is tall indeed, and parents reading aloud will need to perfect that “dang."

For those who want to know what really happened, there’s an author’s note at the end.  Don’t be surprised if your kids ask for some fabric paint for their own jeans.

Recommended for ages 6 to 9, and available at the Easton Area Public Library.