Dawson's motto: Everything can be used again. He deploys this method to try and come up with a way to use discarded "stuff" to come up with a way to make a machine to do his chores. Of course, there are unseen consequences and Dawson must save the neighborhood. A cute story. The graphic-comic like format didn't do anything for me, but the bold colors of the cover might grab the attention of some boys. Dawson is a born inventor, and he's been creating new products from simple tools and the stuff other folks throw away for most of his life. This eco-friendly boy is convinced that he can find a way recycle most everything that others are getting rid of. He particularly likes to restore toys and give them new leases on life. But his creation of a robot, powered by cat food, to complete his chores works too well, and the Vacu-Maniac sucks up everything in sight. It will take some quick thinking and luck to save the town from being annihilated. The book's illustrations were created by engraving on a clay board coated with ink and Adobe software. The endpapers add to the book's delights, featuring a garbage dump with vehicles, sinks, and billboards and a sign for MacGyver Street, possibly a shout-out to the enterprising television character. The pages are a little busy for my eyes and taste, but this picture book is bound to excite many youngsters and maybe inspire some interesting creations fashioned from junk.
What do You think about Awesome Dawson (2013)?
I cheer for any character who says, "Everything can be used again."
—jenna
Crazy kid's invention gets out of hand! Good fun.
—Pambenn
