From a fish opening a “can of worms” to a tap-dancing octopus putting his “best foot forward,” these familiar idioms are re-imagined by award-winner Wallace Edwards in hilarious and unexpected ways.

To help readers “stay on the ball,” the idioms are used in a sentence that accompanies each illustration, and the meaning of each idiom is explained at the end of the book. Every page is so richly illustrated that it is sometimes a challenge to find the hidden monkeys --- some are more easily spotted than others!

A playful introduction to idioms, a clever eye-spy book and a gallery of stunning animal portraits, this collection is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!

WALLACE EDWARDS, diplômé de l’École d’art et de design de l’Ontario, était un auteur-illustrateur primé. Ses peintures et ses illustrations se retrouvent dans des collections privées et publiques, des livres, des magazines et des expositions au Canada et aux États-Unis. Il est le créateur de Sur ma route…, Qu’est-ce que la paix?, Tombé du ciel et Alphabeasts. Ce dernier a remporté le Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général en 2002. Depuis, il continue à recevoir des nominations et des récompenses prestigieuses soulignant son approche géniale des albums illustrés. Il est malheureusement décédé en 2022.

WALLACE EDWARDS was a beloved children’s book writer and illustrator, known for his richly imaginative paintings, and the sense of wonder and humour in his work. His picture books were nominated for three Governor General’s Literary Awards; he won the award for Alphabeasts. Other honours include the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award, two Independent Publisher Book Awards, a CLA Honour Book and two OLA Best Bets, among many others; and his work is on the International Youth Library White Ravens list. Edwards completed work on his final picture book, Pigs Can’t Fly, before his sad passing in December 2022.

Wallace Edwards' profile page

• Winner, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award
• Winner, Great Book Award, Canada Toy Testing Council
• Short-listed, Childrens' Choices, International Reading Association
• Winner, Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award
• Winner, Book of the Year Award - Silver Medal, ForeWord Magazine