Illustrated by Abby Carter
Clarion Books, 2006
Middle-grade Novel, 148 pages
Grades: 2-5 

Holbrook is a lizard who loves to paint. But no one in Rattler’s Bend understands how important art is. Hoping to find someone who will appreciate his artistic efforts, the young lizard sets off for Golden City — where he encounters a colorful cast of characters, from singing snails to streetwise pigeons. The elegant mink and renowned art patron Count Rainier Rumolde takes Holbrook under his paw and introduces him to the great artists of the day, among them the prima ballerina Margot Frogtayne and the gifted tenor Enrico Escargot. But not all that glitters is gold, and Holbrook soon finds himself trapped in a frightening world he didn’t know existed. His only chance of escape is to rely on the few tools at his disposal — imagination, courage, and newfound friends.

“Holbrook: A Lizard’s Tale” is a rare gem for a classroom teacher. Children will seek to find their own talent as well as to appreciate a variety of talents of classmates. Bonny Becker has woven a suspenseful tale of artistic animals that will promote meaningful classroom discussion.”
~ Linda Easterly, Third-grade Teacher, Littleton, Colorado.
Download Mrs. Easterly’s Unit Plan for “Holbrook: A Lizard’s Tale”

Booklist
… The story moves along quickly, enlivened by dramatic situations, dry wit, and dynamic full-page illustrations. An enjoyable romp.

Betsy Bird, New York Public Library Children’s Librarian [Becker’s] book poses a particularly lofty query (i.e. What is art?) within a context that many kids will understand…the arc of the story occurs in just the right way to get kids interested in Holbrook’s predicament(s)…I was impressed that she [Becker] was able to present ways in which the real art world works, but in a kid-friendly concept…A read that anyone, artist or otherwise, could enjoy.

School Library Journal
This delightful marriage of takeoffs of famous personalities (Margot Frogtayne, Enrico Escargot) and storytelling techniques yields an amusing cast of rich characters. This is a fun adventure that will capture the imagination of beginning chapter-book readers.

Ingram Library Services
Clever, exciting, and funny, this title will have high appeal for readers grades 2-5.