The Chandeliers

Kirsch’s bubbly, exuberant artwork recalls that of illustrators like Ungerer and Steig, but his sweetly loopy, stagestruck family of giraffes is all his own. Youngest son Rufus Chandelier isn’t old enough to perform, but he comes into his own one memorable night when he saves his family from a string of theatrical disasters. “When it was time for Mr. Maximilian Chandelier’s big speech, he could not remember what he was supposed to say.” Rufus prompts him, helps his armor-clad Granddaddy through a trapdoor, produces thunder, and plays a timely tuba solo. Kirsch (Forsythia & Me) offers something for everyone: costume-lovers will admire Rufus’s Eton suit and his Granny’s Marie Antoinette ball gown. Fans of wild contraptions will appreciate the family’s five-wheeled, seven-seater bicycle (“The Chandeliers had to make a quick escape. Rufus pedaled”). And old stagehands will smile when Rufus uses a topiary bush to walk a parasol over to his mother. It’s a delightful turn on the theme of the quiet child who becomes a hero, and certain to be summoned for many encores. Ages 4–8. Agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, McIntosh and Otis. (Aug.)