The romance of weirdness. This is a rare Tonkato book about first love. A boy falls in love with a girl named Sylvia, who only has eyes for a boy named "The Astronaut." To get her attention, he decides to dress as a bird on the first day of school. He wears the costume for days. Weeks. It is absurd, painful, and vulnerable. The final image of him standing in the rain in a bird suit is heartbreakingly odd. A perfect book for sensitive kids (ages 5–9).
: These pieces began as a series of digital art parodies, blending the comforting aesthetic of "kidlit" with absurdist, adult-oriented themes. tonkato unusual childrens books top
. The "top pieces" or most recognizable titles in this series include: The Cat in the Hat Comes Back... With a Gat The romance of weirdness