The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau

The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee
1988

     In Paris, during the old adage, the Royal Palace was holding a Grand Contest of Art.  All the famous artists were there: Gaston du Stroganoff, Felicien CaffayOllay, even Alphonse LeCamembair (gotta love those names!).  There was also an unknown painter named Felix Clousseau.  When the judges saw Clousseau's painting, they were shocked because "they had never seen such a ridiculous painting."  It was a simple painting of a duck. But then, the painting quacked and the duck walked out of the frame. The judges were stunned and awarded Clousseau the Grand Prize.  Clousseau became famous and everybody wanted to own one of his paintings.
     "But soon there was trouble."  A baroness owned one of Clousseau's paintings, The Sleeping Boa Constrictor, and one night the snake awoke and attacked the lady.  All over the place, Clousseau's paintings were coming alive and creating chaos.  Clousseau was incarcerated and most of his painting were confiscated.  Meanwhile, a jewel thief was wrecking havoc all over Paris.  The thief tried to steal the King's crown but one of Clousseau's painting, a portrait of a dog, was hanging above the crown and when the King walked into his room, he found the thief "caught in the grasp of a ferocious dog." Clousseau became a hero, "went back to his studio...and returned to his painting."
     The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau is pure genius!  I've read all of Jon Agee's books at this point, and as much as a love them, this one jumps to the top of the list.  The illustrations are gorgeous and truly captures the old adage.  The story is brilliant, funny and original.  This is the kind of book I'll buy multiple copies of, to give as gifts, and to keep at home and in the classroom.