Postcards

Monica Kulling’s picture book, The Tweedles Go Electric tells the story of the Tweedles’ choice to become a modern family in the twentieth century. Papa, Mama, Frances and Francis have never owned a car; they ride their bicycles, walk, or travel by horse and cart. Their neighbour, Mr. Hamm, pokes fun at the Tweedles for their lack of modernity. One day, Papa decides (much to Mama’s secret happiness) that they too will join the modern world and purchase a car. They buy a green electric car rather than the gas guzzling, dirty, noisy, rattling steam or gas cars that everyone else owns. Once again, Mr. Hamm turns up his nose. Frances, who would rather pursue higher education and read books than worry about having a car, is the least excited; cars frighten her. One day, Mr. Hamm suffers an injury. The Hamm’s do not have any gas left in their car and the horse is sick; they come to the Tweedles for help. Papa is not home to drive the car. Frances decides to take charge and drives Mr. Hamm all the way to the doctor. The Hamm’s are very grateful; they make sure to tell everyone how intelligent the Tweedles are for owning such a reliable vehicle. Frances develops an appreciation for the exhilaration that driving at fast speeds brings to her. The narration is humourous, and is complemented wonderfully by the illustrations that highlight the green of the Tweedles in comparison to the grey shades of those around them. This picture book is a delightful addition to any child’s collection.

Monica Kulling The Tweedles Go Electric
Illustrated by Marie Lafrance
Toronto: House of Anansi Press, 2014.
30 p. ISBN: 978-1-55498-167-0
(Picture book, 2+)