Mr. Frank

Mr. Frank

Written by: Luxbacher, Irene
Illustrated by: Luxbacher, Irene
ages 4 to 7 / grades K to 3

On his last day before retirement, Mr. Frank is sewing the most wonderful outfit of his long career. Who could it be for?

In all his years working as a tailor, Mr. Frank has made all kinds of clothes. From the practical uniforms of the 1940s to the wild and weird designs of the 1960s and 1970s, he has seen (and sewn) just about everything. But today’s project is especially close to Mr. Frank’s heart.

With its use of textiles and sensitive period detail, Irene Luxbacher’s artwork is the perfect complement to her understated text. The result is a story that children and grandparents can share with equal delight.

On his last day before retirement, Mr. Frank is sewing the most wonderful outfit of his long career. Who could it be for?

In all his years working as a tailor, Mr. Frank has made all kinds of clothes. From the practical uniforms of the 1940s to the wild and weird designs of the 1960s and 1970s, he has seen (and sewn) just about everything. But today’s project is especially close to Mr. Frank’s heart.

With its use of textiles and sensitive period detail, Irene Luxbacher’s artwork is the perfect complement to her understated text. The result is a story that children and grandparents can share with equal delight.

Published By Groundwood Books Ltd — Aug 25, 2014
Specifications 32 pages | 7.875 in x 9.75 in
Supporting Resources
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Teacher's Guide
Written By

IRENE LUXBACHER is an artist and author living in Toronto, Ontario, who has received many awards for her work. She has written and illustrated Deep Underwater, an Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award finalist, and Mr. Frank, which was selected as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Her illustrations for the Malaika series by Nadia L. Hohn have been highly acclaimed, and her illustrations for The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award.

Illustrated by

IRENE LUXBACHER is an artist and author living in Toronto, Ontario, who has received many awards for her work. She has written and illustrated Deep Underwater, an Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award finalist, and Mr. Frank, which was selected as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Her illustrations for the Malaika series by Nadia L. Hohn have been highly acclaimed, and her illustrations for The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award.

Written By

IRENE LUXBACHER is an artist and author living in Toronto, Ontario, who has received many awards for her work. She has written and illustrated Deep Underwater, an Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award finalist, and Mr. Frank, which was selected as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Her illustrations for the Malaika series by Nadia L. Hohn have been highly acclaimed, and her illustrations for The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award.

Illustrated by

IRENE LUXBACHER is an artist and author living in Toronto, Ontario, who has received many awards for her work. She has written and illustrated Deep Underwater, an Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award finalist, and Mr. Frank, which was selected as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Her illustrations for the Malaika series by Nadia L. Hohn have been highly acclaimed, and her illustrations for The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award.

Audience ages 4 to 7 / grades K to 3
Reading Levels Reading Recovery 20
Guided Reading N
Lexile AD980L

Commended, USBBY Outstanding International Book, 2015

Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2015

“Beautifully written and filled with visual details of days gone by, this small treasure is waiting to be shared again and again with a young grandchild…or with any young child.” —School Library Journal

“Outstanding mixed-media collages and a thoughtful text create a distinctive book that rises far above most tributes to grandparental love. . . . a perfect book.” —Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW

“Luxbacher is pure genius, weaving in a half century-plus of fashion history into a glowing celebration of family.” —BookDragon

“A cozy read-aloud, particularly for grandparents and their grandchildren.” —Booklist

“Luxbacher’s gentle story, dedicated to her father “Frank the Tailor,” brims with nostalgia and affection.” —CM Magazine

“This quiet story is a wonderful homage to grandparents everywhere who delight in pleasing their grandchildren.” —Library Media Connection