NPR's Book of the Day: "Amazing Grapes" by Jules Pfeiffer

Release Date: January 22, 2025

Introduction

In the January 22, 2025 episode of NPR's "Book of the Day," host Scott Simon delves into "Amazing Grapes," the final book by the late Jules Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and beloved illustrator known for his work on Norton Juster's classic novel, "The Phantom Tollbooth," ventured into new territory with his first graphic novel aimed at middle school readers. At 95 years old, Pfeiffer remained a creative force, inspiring listeners with his insights on creativity, aging, and the enduring power of playfulness.

Overview of "Amazing Grapes"

"Amazing Grapes" marks Jules Pfeiffer's foray into middle-grade graphic novels, blending whimsical illustrations with a heartfelt narrative. The story begins with a poignant family moment: the father leaves the wife and their three children—Shirley, Pearly, and Curly. This event propels the family into a series of fantastical adventures across different universes, emphasizing themes of resilience, exploration, and maintaining a sense of wonder.

Creative Process and Inspiration

Pfeiffer discusses his creative process with Scott Simon, highlighting his intuitive approach to storytelling.

"I sit down at a table and I make notes and scroll things down and suddenly as a result of scrolling, a notion hits me and I scribble that and then another notion and another notion and suddenly I'm on a track somewhere. The one thing I don't want to know ever is where I'm going before I get there."
— Jules Pfeiffer [02:17]

This spontaneity allows Pfeiffer to follow the narrative's natural progression, ensuring that each story element emerges organically.

Themes of Play and Adventure

Central to "Amazing Grapes" is the theme of playfulness. Pfeiffer emphasizes the importance of embracing one's sense of adventure and surprise, especially as one grows older.

"Go where your sense of adventure takes you, Go where your sense of surprise takes you. And don't ever lose your sense of play."
— Jules Pfeiffer [03:07]

He reflects on how play has become more integral to his life in his later years, offering solace and joy amidst life's challenges, including health issues like acute macular degeneration and past heart attacks.

Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics

Pfeiffer opens up about his relationship with his mother, providing a personal backstory that adds depth to his storytelling. He shares insights into his mother's struggles during the Great Depression and their complicated relationship, which ultimately influenced his creative legacy.

"The only thing wrong with my mother was like a nice Jewish girl. She did what her family told her to do, which was get married when she didn't want to and have a family, which she didn't want and she wasn't any good at. So the irony of all that is it worked out to my good fortune, to my benefit."
— Jules Pfeiffer [05:18]

This candid reflection underscores the generational impacts on creativity and personal fulfillment.

Connection to Current Events

An intriguing aspect of "Amazing Grapes" stems from an event where former President Obama sang "Amazing Grace" at a funeral, which deeply moved Pfeiffer and inspired the book's titular song. This moment of unexpected beauty and unity amidst grief became the seed for his creative endeavor.

"The naturalness, the beauty of it, its connectedness to us all, whoever us all were. And somewhere, all these years later, when I was looking for an idea to turn into a book, the Amazing Grapes Song of Obama came through."
— Jules Pfeiffer [06:35]

Future Projects and Legacy

Despite his advanced age, Pfeiffer remains prolific, already contemplating his next project—a memoir illustrated with large-scale drawings to accommodate his vision impairment. He expresses contentment with his life's work, his loving marriage, and the legacy he leaves behind.

"I'm happier now than I ever have been doing the work I love. Having a wife I'm crazy about and living this wonderful life to the end where I can say things and do things and my work has been accepted so that I can get away with it."
— Jules Pfeiffer [07:33]

Conclusion

Jules Pfeiffer's "Amazing Grapes" stands as a testament to a lifetime of creativity, resilience, and the enduring importance of maintaining a playful spirit. In his final book, Pfeiffer seamlessly blends personal history with imaginative storytelling, offering middle-grade readers a rich and engaging narrative. His reflections during the NPR interview provide a profound insight into the mind of an artist who, even at 95, continues to inspire and create meaningful work.

Notable Quotes

• "Go where your sense of adventure takes you, Go where your sense of surprise takes you. And don't ever lose your sense of play." — Jules Pfeiffer [03:07]
• "The only thing wrong with my mother was like a nice Jewish girl..." — Jules Pfeiffer [05:18]
• "The naturalness, the beauty of it, its connectedness to us all..." — Jules Pfeiffer [06:35]
• "I'm happier now than I ever have been doing the work I love..." — Jules Pfeiffer [07:33]

Final Thoughts

"Amazing Grapes" encapsulates Jules Pfeiffer's lifelong dedication to storytelling and illustration. His ability to infuse profound life lessons with playful adventure makes this graphic novel a standout addition to middle-grade literature. Pfeiffer's legacy lives on through his work, continuing to inspire readers and fellow artists alike.