In the McSweeney’s October Newsletter, we encouraged readers of all ages to roll up their sleeves, pluck their crayon fragments from the floor, wipe the applesaucey drool off of any still-functioning markers in the immediate vicinity, and enter an all-ages coloring contest to celebrate Benny’s Brigade!
Benny’s Brigade, a delightful new picture book by Arthur Bradford and Lisa Hanawalt, tells the fascinating “true” story of Benny, a tiny and very gentlemanly walrus who is discovered by two sisters one day inside an oversize wiggly walnut shell. This book—a large and gorgeous hardcover with a jacket that unfolds into a poster—is among the latest releases from McSweeney’s McMullens, our fledgling children’s book department.
Dozens of readers entered the coloring contest, and winners in three age categories were selected by a four-year-old judge. Each winner will receive a free McMullens bundle. Congratulations, winners!
The winning entries are accompanied by the judge’s comments.
WINNER — AGE 6 & UNDER
Lillian, age 4 1/2
Judge’s comment: “Cool. She did a great job.”
WINNER — AGE 11 & UNDER
Grace, age 9
Judge’s comment: “Is Benny blowing up? Why is he?”
WINNER — AGE 12 & UP
Justin, age 33
Judge’s comment: “Good. Why did he make
Benny blue? This looks great.”
HERE, TOO, ARE SOME OF THE JUDGE’S FAVORITE RUNNERS UP. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
Aaron, age 9
Abby, age unknown
Abraham, age 5
Aleena, age 9
Ava, age 5 1/2
Ben, age 8
Calder, age 1 1/2
Cheyenne, age 9
David, age 9
Ehab, age 9
Elizabeth, age 9
Emma, age 9
Estlin, age 1
Ethan, age 7
Faith, age 9
Gavin, age 9
Hudson, age 5
Isaac, age 4
Isabella, age 9
Lance, age 9
Liam, age 8
Lily, age 9
Luesma, age 9
Mackenzie, age 9
Madison, age 9
Marin, age 6
Melanie, age 9
Miles, age 7 3/4
Nancy, age 41
Nathan, age 9
Samantha, age 9
Sophia, age 14
Tamia, age 9