If Apples Had Teeth

A book about language, play, and the relationship between words and images, If Apples Had Teeth is graphic, smart, silly, and surreal all at the same time. Language and thought come to life as counterfactuals and possibilities are conjured and proposed. The heart of the book beats with newness, reminding us that art, poetry, and story are all about creating something that doesn't yet exist in the world.Milton Glaser (b.1929) is among the most celebrated graphic designers in the United States. He has had the distinction of one-man-shows at the Museum of Modern Art and the Georges Pompidou Center. He was selected for the lifetime achievement award of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum (2004) and the Fulbright Association (2011), and in 2009 he was the first graphic designer to receive the National Medal of the Arts award. He opened Milton Glaser, Inc. in 1974, and continues to produce a prolific amount of work in many fields of design to this day.

"You will want this book. It might change the way you look at the world. Some of the IFs are practical: 'If apples had teeth, they would bite back.' 'If a kangaroo was fond of you, he could carry your books home from school.' Some of the IFs rhyme or have alliteration: 'If a rhinoceros wore a sweater, he would look a lot better.' 'If horses had hat racks, they would be reindeer.' But some of the IFs make you drop your chin: 'If eggs were made of glass, you could count your chickens before they hatched.' 'If trees were pink, they would be nevergreens.' Did I mention the art? Very whimsical and fun!"—A Year of Reading "This is a reprint of a title originally published by Knopf in 1960. The words and illustrations are delightfully wide-eyed, deranged, and possibly subversive. Apples bite back. The soup talks back! Alligators masquerade as luggage. (Watch out!) Each page posits `what if,’ and offers a delightfully absurd response. Some pages rhyme. Some don’t. But there’s a zippy rhythm to the text that makes for good reading aloud. Five to eight year olds who like to laugh will love this one. Young wordsmiths and artists will be eager to create their own `what ifs’ and draw them. It’s a book that makes the reader feel energized and want to participate."—STARRED REVIEW, Robin Shtulman, Youth Services Book Review

Milton Glaser (b.1929) is among the most celebrated graphic designers in the United States. He has had the distinction of one-man-shows at the Museum of Modern Art and the Georges Pompidou Center. He was selected for the lifetime achievement award of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum (2004) and the Fulbright Association (2011), and in 2009 he was the first graphic designer to receive the National Medal of the Arts award. As a Fulbright scholar, Glaser studied with the painter, Giorgio Morandi in Bologna, and is an articulate spokesman for the ethical practice of design. He opened Milton Glaser, Inc. in 1974, and continues to produce a prolific amount of work in many fields of design to this day.Shirley Girton Glaser studied photography and art at The Cooper Union. After graduating in 1956, she married Milton, and together they went to Italy, where Shirley continued her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts. It was after their return to the US that Shirley started her career as a children’s book author. Her books include The Big Race, The Alphazeds, and IF, all illustrated by Milton.