This is so very, very cool. Viviane Schwartz, who is one of my very favorite illustrators ever and whos work I collect passionately sent me the coolest thing in the world: Ray, costumed protector of Henry. I've only seen Viviane's knitted creations on the computer but they are even more beautiful in real life. He is one of the nicest toys I've ever seen and definitely has more personality than any I've seen. Viviane's starting to get some recognition for her brilliant books lately which is so well deserved. She made the publishers Weekly years best kids books list, she got a great review in The Horn Book and she just was invited to a party at the Palace....I love the second picture down, which is Henry's first reaction to Ray Merino. The third one has Ray taking flight. And the fourth is one Viviane took in London.
Thanks Viviane!
