Gerard De Souza

My Friend Largemouth Bass Gerard De Souza

In a tradition from Aesop to Hollywood, Largemouth Bass is a cartoon animal character proxy representing a child, who learns to think before he speaks. Unintentionally hurtful, but attempting humor at others' expense, he gets schooled on Empathy and what is socially appropriate by his school friends. A departure from the crisp painterly illustrations of his previous book, Mr. de Souza's loose water-color styled cartoon illustrations compliment the text with humor, showing what is not described in text, told in the voice of a friend recounting Largemouth's story. The result is a conclusion of change and forgiveness told disarmingly without being preachy. K to 7290 words.32 pages.