Arthur's Nose

Arthur's Nose is a children's book written and illustrated by writer Marc Brown, focusing on the experiences of Arthur Read, a fictional anthropomorphic bipedal aardvark.^[1] The character of Arthur later acquired notoriety and inspired several other picture books and a PBS animated television series adaptation.

Plot

Arthur is a young anthropomorphic aardvark residing in a world populated by anthropomorphic animals. Francine Frensky, a classmate, frequently complains about Arthur's lengthy nose, as she is seated nearby, and a few other remarks regarding the length of his nose inspire Arthur to have it fixed.^[2] He visits a specialist, but decides against the idea of changing his nose even after viewing the man's other options. Arthur returns to school and is seldom taunted because of his nose, although Francine still complains mildly about it getting in her way.

Following books and popularity

After the book's publication, it inspired a series of storybooks chronicling Arthur's childhood experiences.^[3] The books acquired popularity, albeit through the progression of years Arthur's character design gradually changed; his nose eventually and gradually receded until it had been reduced to nothing more to a pair of tiny nostrils, and he later acquired a pair of eyeglasses although he got the glasses from the next book Arthur's Eyes because he couldn't see. Marc Brown's depictions of the other characters also slowly changed and shifted, as did his drawing style. The series would later go on to inspire a popular PBS educational animated television series, which is still running to this day.

The book was reissued in 2001 to mark its 25th anniversary, with additional drawings showing how Brown developed the character.^[4]

References