I’m Lovin’ It!
I see McDonald’s has The Spiderwick Chronicles Happy-Meals now available. If I didn’t think the film, toys, cereal, and video game were surreal enough, this definitely sent me to dreamland.
My parents took us kids to get fast food every once and awhile. I grew up on Burger Chef and their equivalent to a Happy Meal, called the Fun Meal - which I loved. So I know the kid-version of me would so be into getting a “Common Ground Goblin” with my cheeseburger…or feeding Hogsqueal some fries.
February 21st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
How fun is this?!! My wife and I took the kids to see the movie on Monday. My 10 year old son loved it (he read all 5 books in just a few days). My daughter (7) wasn’t quite as enthralled by the movie, but she was excited about going to McDonalds afterwards, and what do you know, Spiderwick toys there too! Haven’t quite reached the “Shrek is taking over the world!” status, but awfully cool!
February 21st, 2008 at 6:43 pm
i read all the books three times like i said befor i am the biggest fan
February 21st, 2008 at 8:02 pm
My name is Sigrid and I’m from Arkansas.When I was in 5th grade, I wrote to you and told you how much I liked the books. When I did that you sent back a hand written letter, a trading card you wrote ‘To: Sigrid’ and then autographed it, and a little paper about the upcoming books at the time (2004). In sixth grade we had to do an author study and I did mine on you. In seventh grade I found the Field Guide at a book fair and got it. I’m in ninth grade now and I wanted to thank you for sending me all of that stuff. I really like your art and I also draw a lot. You really inspired me in the 5th to 7th grade to keep drawing. Thanks.
P.S. I went to see the Spiderwick movie a few days ago with a friend, it differed from the books but was still fun to watch. :]
February 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Dear Tony DiTerlizzi,
Hi my name is Trey and I just read the Special Edition of The Seeing Stone. It was probably one of the best books I have ever read. I liked the part when the Troll came out of the water. What inspired you to write this book and how did you get the idea to write this book about fairies? How did you get the name The Spiderwick Chronicles? I enjoyed this book because it’s all about fairies and mystical creatures and I also like them. Do you like the movie? Does it tell the same story as your books?
Trey Wannenmacher
5th Grade
Springfield, MO
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:46 am
Dear Tony DiTerlizzi,
That is so fantastic! It’s incredible how famous the Spiderwick Chronicles are becoming. I have LOVED the books (/all/ of them) for several years now. You have no idea how much I appreciate your artwork as well as Holly Black’s writing…you are my favorite artist by far (up there with Andrew Wyeth and Magritte!). I’m in 8th grade; not very old, but I have such appreciate for your artwork…I’m going to send you a portrait I drew of you and Holly as well as an entry for the giant trap contest!! Thank you for inspiring me so much,
Audrey Densmore (Southern California)
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am
I am 40 years old and adored the movie last night as did my husband. I’ve read all the books and hope to read more! You are a fantastic illustrator/creator. You really inspire all ages! You’re never too old to imagine what it would be like to meet a sprite or hobgoblin! Thank you for all your hard, fun, work!
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:18 am
That has got to be one of the most surreal things to have happen to you. Getting a to illustrate a book, then to see it come to life in so many ways even beyond that. Congrats and this is quite a cherry on top of it all.
Thinking of yourself as a kid getting these, that is what makes it so surreal. Neat.
(I took a class with you at the Eric Carle Museum, Drawing Monsters, thanks again. My friend, who was also there, forwarded your teachings onto a class of her own, teaching kids to draw monsters.)
-Casey-deep sea squid-mermaid
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Man,
The Burger Chef thing…
I haven’t thought about that place in YEARS. I loved the race car meals and putting all the stickers on my car/tray! Did they have a toppings bar? I’m having strange memories of putting cucumbers on my burger, or something.
We had a fantastic time at the premiere last week, the girls just LOVED being part of something so special. Congratulations again
February 24th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Dear Mr. dT-
I saw Spiderwick today. It was great. After reading the books (your illustrations made me happy in a way that only “happy” can describe), I was excited to see that they kept the feeling for the movie. Good job.
~Eli (pronounced like Ellie)
February 25th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I’d like to add to the list of delighted audience members, Tony. I’ve been a fan of yours since your Planescape days. Now I write novels for Wizards of the Coast (Eberron line), but I’m a big-time fan of the fey, about which the Spiderwick story wonderfully illustrates.
Good stuff, Tony!
Now I need to find a MacDonald’s!
February 26th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Have loved your artwork for ages. And my sons love your G is for Gzonk and Jimmy Zangwow books (well they are a little long for the 1.5yr old but the 3yr old thinks they’re the best!)
Somehow completely missed the whole Spiderwick connection until my 3yr old brought home a fairy from McD last week. We’ve bought the series and are reading it to him. We will probably have to wait and get the movie on DVD, as I think it would be a bit too scary for him on the big screen in the dark.
Glad to see you’re doing so well!!
MM
SFHS ‘88
April 1st, 2008 at 7:02 am
dear tony, i really really admire your drawings! i wish i cld draw like that. i tried to do hogsqeual but he turned out to look like a cabbage:(! haha. but i will try again? maybe. i havent watched ur movie yet! is it a little bit different frm the books? who is ur fave character frm the spiderwick chronicles? i
April 25th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Wow, like Sara, I haven’t thought of Burger Chef in a long time! I used to get the Fun Meals when I was a kid in the Detroit area. Thanks for kicking those memories back up!