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Kirkus Reviews - February 15, 2011 Pfister's latest book is a sweetly simple look at some very deep questions, allo- wing children the opportunity to delve into some of life's mysteries. The questions, each presented as a rhyming couplet, could have been just as easily formulated by a child as by the author – they feel like the charming queries children seem to make when adults least expect them. Although readers will find no answers here, most have scientific explanations, but others certainly hint toward the divine. And while the text is well written (translated from German), it is the beautiful artwork that will draw readers back for more. Luminous colors and amazing textures stand out against the stark, white backgrounds. While new to Pfister, the technique suits the tone of the text to a T. Each element was cut from thick cardboard, then painted with acrylics and stamped onto paper to complete the individual scenes. The result echoes the mix of simplicity and complexity in-herent in each question. In a world that so often emphasizes answers and solid facts, it is refreshing to see a text that encourages question-ing, whether realistic or imaginative flights of fancy. (Picture book. 3-7)

Publisher’s Weekly - January 2011 In an age when infinite answers are available in an instant, maybe the questions we ask are what matter most. “There’s so much that I want to know,” writes Pfister, and in 13 short couplets he shows readers how questioning is a genuinely creative act – a way of being fully engaged in the world. His verses are by turns fanciful (“Do apple seeds dream happily/ of growing up to be a tree?”), scientifically minded (“What turns the leaves from green to brown/ and sends them floating gently down?”), and even fath based (“Who teaches butterflies to fly/ splashing their colors through the sky?”). In a depar-ture from his Rainbow Fish series, Pfister has created images as pity as they are poignant, boldly graphic and dramatically cropped against white backgrounds. A blue-headed songbird is reminiscent of Asian watercolour; a storm cloud looks like it’s been fashio-ned from salt dough; falling leaves seem cut from pieces of thickly tufted carpet. Altough each was created using the same painted paper method (Ex-plained in the final page), the results are as varied as the questions. Ages 3-up. (Mar.)

Midwest Book Review (Karyn's Bookshelf) - March 2011 Bold Crayola hues beckon from the cover of Swiss author and illustrator Marcus Pfister's newest work. Inside a color explosion continues, from amber autumn leaves to angry charcoal blue storm clouds to orange and purple butterflies. But it's not just the color that awes. Pfister's experimentation with texture - applying acrylic paint to cardboard and then thickly stamping it onto paper -- results in page after page of enticing composition. And the poem- based text ponders nature's mysteries in a wonderfully childfriendly cadence. "Does a whale make up a song so other whales will sing along?" it ponders. And "do apple seeds dream happily of growing up to be a tree?" Migrating geese, sea shells and fire are among the topics. Originally published in Switzerland and recently translated into English, "Questions, Questions" is a rare, near perfect symphony of art and words, a new treasure that once again cements Pfister as a formi- dable writer and artist of our time.

Booklist: My Friend the Paintbrush got a starred review! In this unique, interestingly straightforward picture book, celebrated artist Pfister addresses readers directly, using rhymed couplets to explain how he uses his paintbrushes to bring his beloved characters to life. Audiences will readily recognize Rainbow Fish and Penguin Pete and be treated to a retrospective of Pfister’s additional work, highlighting 17 titles produced over the past 30 years. Effortlessly translated from the original German, the first half of the book talks about “my friend” and its amazing capabilities. Pfister’s friend—his paintbrush—can be smooth or rough, clumsy or graceful, and use black and white or be full of color (each statement supplemented by an illustration demonstrating various painting styles), but it must always be held by hand and never be digital. The second half highlights selected excerpts from Pfister’s books and offers brief comments about how and why he incorporated special techniques into specific illustrations. Examples include the foil stamping in The Rainbow Fish, the split pages in his Milo series, and the fabric backgrounds in Bertie at Bedtime. In his closing comments, Pfister expresses his hope that readers will discover their own creative innovations. This cheerful offering work equally well as a read-aloud or basic art tutorial and will intrigue picture-book enthusiasts of all ages. 33 years of Rainbow Fish and its 10th title The tenth book in the New York Times bestselling Rainbow Fish series encourages care and respect for the ocean and its creatures. Rainbow Fish and his friends have only ever heard stories about the nets that come through and take away shoals of fish from the ocean. Luckily, they’ve never had to experience that danger for themselves. All is peaceful until one day, Rainbow Fish and his friends come face to face with the trawling net. Even though getting caught within the net is scary, Rainbow Fish and his friends are quick to act. With the help of crabs and lobsters nearby, they’re able to cut through the net and help everyone trapped within make their great escape. This thrilling addition is a perfect example of quick problem solving and how to lean on one’s community in difficult situations.

Reviews of “Questions, questions”, 2011

Goodbye Michelle and Barack! A memory to savour of he outgoing US President. Michelle and Barack Obama reading the Rainbow Fish at the White House Eas- ter Egg Roll in 2016. Thanks for everything!