"The Great Quillow" was first published in 1944 with original drawings by Dorris Lee. What a change to see Steven Kellogg's busy animated pictures gyrate into action in an oversize picture book!
When Hunder the giant thundered into town he demanded three sheep, a pie baked with a thousand apples and a chocolate as high and wide as a spinning wheel. This soon depleted the cupboards and stores of any village that he stalked.When Hunder came to a little town in a firm valley, the townsfolk were frightened.
None of the 10 councilmen could find a solution to the demands for not only food but also new boots and a jerkin. Quillow, a toymaker with hair as stubbly as a dandelion clock, devised a way to protect the town and its wares.
Thurber's keen ear for language is apparent as the inept council members demand proper protocol. "I have heard the demands of Hunder the giant. The document is most irregular. It does not contain a single `greeting' or `whereas' or `be it known by these presents!' "
Kellogg augments the humor, with his details - patched clothing and Hunder's hugeness - sprawling over the page. His trademarks of Pinkerton the dog, round-faced children and minute details with an ironic twist add much to the book, particularly for Kellogg fans.
If Thurber had lived to make a choice, he might not have selected Kellogg to illustrate "The Great Quillow." He probably would have chosen a more simple layout, less fuss with costumes, color and format. But the reader who doesn't have a similar fetish with brevity and simplicity will think the match a good one.
"The Great Quillow" lives again and will delight children for another 50 years.