As most devotees of Greenwillow know, Kevin Henkes is the creator of many beloved picture books featuring well-known mice characters. There’s Owen, Julius, Wemberly, Chester, Chrysanthemum, and Wendell, and of course, the indefatigable Lilly. Yes, they’re delightful characters, each and every one, most with their own books.
However, whenever I bring home a new Henkes picture book, the one question Mike asks me (more about him later) is, “Where’s Mr. Slinger? Is Mr. Slinger in it?” (That’s actually two questions, but you get the idea.) I’m convinced I live with the world’s biggest Mr. Slinger fan. Now you probably know who Mr. Slinger is—Lilly’s teacher, who made his debut in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse and was later featured in Lilly’s Big Day (where he married the school nurse, Ms. Shotwell.) Well, Mike has been teaching high school English in Brooklyn for over 20 years—he’s afraid to teach the little people—and he really enjoys Mr. Slinger.
Mr. Slinger, performing one of his famed interpretive dances. Oh, and Lilly is there too. (Art Copyright © 1996 by Kevin Henkes)
When we’re at home, we’ll read the new Lilly books aloud (okay, so we don’t have kids, but we still like to read the books aloud), and Mike always wants to be Mr. Slinger. Once he even insisted that I make him tasty cheese snacks. When I finally asked Mike why he likes Mr. Slinger, he replied, “Slinger is wise, patient, firm yet com-passionate and capable of the unexpected and endearing gesture. I also love his interpretive dances.” (Believe me, he actually said that—it’s not easy living with an English teacher.) In Brooklyn, Mike has different annoyances to contend with. The jingly quarters and musical purses in Slinger’s class have been replaced by cell phones and iPods and whatever technological gadget is coming. But I think we can all agree: the simple truths and humanity of the Slinger character, and the Lilly books in general, will endure.
Mike would also like to say something to Mr. Henkes: “Kevin, isn’t it time for another Slinger book—or perhaps a series. Lilly? Nowhere else to go with her. But Slinger? Get him out of his ‘hood and into another ‘hood. There’s a lot he can do. Resolve mice gang wars, perhaps? (Think Sidney Poitier in To Sir with Love, II.) Do your duty, man!”
Note to Marketing: Mike is also still waiting for the Mr. Slinger T-shirts…
Most adorable post yet (yes, I’m picking favorites). My heart is a little warmer this morning–thanks, Barbara (and Mike).
And hey, they look alike too! Well, except for the ears. And the tail. And the Birkenstocks. But I have definitely seen Mike in that shirt.
Completely brilliant! I would wear a “Team Slinger” shirt any day! In our house, Mr. Slinger provides the words of wisdom that get us through tough times: “Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better.”
Mike does have a Mr. Slinger side! Lucky him!
“Wow, that’s just about all I can say!”
Thanks for this great posting! Mr. Slinger and all his fans appreciate it. And I can tell how lucky Mike’s students are.
OH, the word I also thought of was “adorable”, so Barb, “DOUBLE ADORABLE” posting. As for Mr. Slinger, well. A cool nerd. Very popular these days.
Right on, Barbara! I think Mike has picked up on the fact that Kevin’s characters have true appeal to a wide range of ages (where you and Mike fit on that range we won’t delve into here). That Ms. Shotwell is one lucky mouse, isn’t she?
I’m so happy to know there are so many Slinger supporters out there. And thanks to David for noticing the resemblance. And yes, you have seen me wear that shirt.