AMERICAN GARGOYLES
For NYC Urbanism's first book review, we are sharing our favorite new children’s book, American Gargoyles, with our community.
American Gargoyles is a brash comedy for kids (and adults) about the outrageous ornaments on a classic New York City skyscraper, perfect for children growing up in an ever-changing metropolis.
"AMERICAN GARGOYLES tells the zany tale of a historic Manhattan building slated for destruction by an egomaniac developer, Mr. Hairdoux. The building's gargoyles hatch a madcap plan to save their home, uniting the city in this raucous call-out to a vision of New York that is, alas, fading fast, but clearly still has some mischievous life in it.” – Maria Russo, The New York Times
James Kenney of What’cha Reading? says: “AMERICAN GARGOYLES” is a friendly pop-fizz confection. Long on hip, happy atmosphere, it’s a sweet “urban legend” for city dwellers who know what is lost each time a classic building is replaced by a modern edifice long on ego and short on genuine style. If you’re interested in a tall tale that will tickle children while keeping adults engaged with solid jokes and a splashy, playful layout, AMERICAN GARGOYLES is a satisfying addition to any library that houses great New York children’s stories.”
… and Carolyn Purnell, author of Inventing Color, wrote: “I recently had the joy of reading AMERICAN GARGOYLES, a wonderful kids’ book about some spunky gargoyles who set out to save a historic building from being demolished. The colors are happy, the characters are adorable, and the book feels absolutely sincere. Plus, what historian doesn’t love the idea of teaching kids to love old buildings? I was totally charmed.”
Author/illustrator Neil Cohen, from Queens, New York, is a playwright, journalist, comedian and screenwriter.
To join AMERICAN GARGOYLES in its celebration of our magnificent megalopolis we're doing a giveaway for the young-urbanists and preservationists, along with vintage items from our archive for the adults. Share this post to be entered for a chance to win a book and vintage NYC ephemera.
