| Title | : | \ |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1684373999 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781684373994 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 40 |
| Publication | : | Published October 13, 2020 |
James Kelly smelled EVERYTHING: rats in the shed; circus elephants a mile away; tomorrow's rain. His sense of smell was EXTRAORDINARY. But what good was a powerful nose? How could his super-sniffer make him special? In the New York City subway, James found his calling--and earned the nickname "Smelly" Kelly. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. Then, he sprang into action to prevent cave-ins and explosions in the tunnels beneath the city. Smelly Kelly not only hunted leaks but also saved lives--and he discovered the truly extraordinary power inside him. Beth Anderson's fast-paced text and Jenn Harney's comical illustrations bring to life this everyday superhero.
\ Reviews
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My second grade grand LOVED this book. I knew he would be fascinated by the tale of a man who wandered the New York City subway system in search of trouble. I could see his eyes tracking the wires, lines, gas tank (which he figured out way before I even read that part). The younger grand loved references to elephant poo smells. This book is fantastically written, well illustrated, and captured the imaginations of my young listeners. My grandson was thrilled to read about a REAL person who was alive (of course we had to discuss that as well). Subways and trains became a fascinating subject for discussion. Great book!
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This was a great book, super engaging, the best of historical fiction.
Smelly Kelly actually existed! He actually did the things in the book! At least most of them were exact instances from his life, some were fictionalized, and his reactions were fictionalized because he didn't leave any autobiography, but the interweaving of fact and fiction was masterfully done. It was perfectly adapted for kids and engaging for adults.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned some new stuff about New York that I hadn't known.
Story: narrative memoir
Art: engaging, matches the style of the diction very well
Price: I forgot to look before I returned it -
This book interweaves a little history, humor, and the giant heart of a man who uses his unusual gift to become an everyday superhero in the bowels of the New York City Subway. The lyrical text and humorous illustrations bring together Kelly's super nose and fascinating inventions, a wonderfully creative dual color palette, and humorous wafting shapes. Even pre-readers will know exactly what is going on.
Additionally, the author's note and information on both "Kelly's Tools" and "The Underground World," combine with "a note about research" and a photograph of James Kelly to highlight what is known and unknown about this ordinary superhero. Overall, this is a great book which highlights some of the history of New York and its subway and an unsung hero. A very timely book as we witness our own superheroes pulling us through this trying time. -
4.5 stars -- A young man born with an unusual talent--an extra-sensitive sense of smell--uses his abilities to detect dangerous leaks and other problems in the NYC subway system of the 1930s.
This book is a lot of fun, as well as quite enlightening, and will likely educate adults as well as kids! Both humor and tales of heroism are woven throughout the story of "smelly" Kelly, whose bio and photo appear at the book's conclusion.
Humane families note: Historical references to butcher shops, fish markets, and elephants being used in a circus in both the illustrations and text. -
"Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses: How James Kelly's Nose Saved the New York City Subway takes place in New York's history when the subway system was becoming the transit hub for the city, its lifeline, but always expanding and under construction.
Delightfully illustrated by Jenn Harney, this telling reveals a hero in the underworld-- the underground world of subway operation, that is. His super-sniffer detects and locates potential mishaps that could endanger the system, and LIVES! Within the opening pages, readers learn that young-James was aware of but not impressed by his super-sensitive nose-power. In a single page-turn adult-Kelly lands in New York City. He soon begins work in the subway and his talent proves to be priceless. His sniffer not only averted catastrophes from gas leaks and water drips coming in contact with electrical sparks, he tracked down burst plumbing pipes and other odors to reveal unseen damage.
Kelly took his nickname and unofficial hero status seriously, reading deeply to learn more about ways science and technology could support his role of super-subway-saver. This complex story is told with pizzazz, making the revelations about a grown man and urban infrastructure remarkably lively and appealing. The color choices, text placement, lighting and movement in illustrations make this an action-packed and fun read.
Kelly's nose and reputation took him far beyond the subway when smell-sleuthing was required. He supplemented his sniffer with his science studies to narrow down destructive leaks, he trained apprentices in his techniques, and he faced every challenge with persistence. Eventually, he drew on his childhood experiences with elephant odors to solve a mystery. Anderson portrays a climactic and dramatic event in which Kelly's nose and ears were of no use, but put his analytic skills and bravery to work to save a life.
Anderson participated in In an interview about this new release on Maria Marshall's blog, THE PICTURE BOOK BUILDER, here. Her website and that interview include a quote worthy of note:
"Writing is mining.
It’s digging deep inside
for special memories, emotions, and meaning.
It’s burrowing into history for inspiring characters and moments
that change the course of events."
~ Beth Anderson
As a reader and writer I admire this mission statement and appreciate the results in her books. Her research is seamlessly woven into lives that leap from the page in settings that have a life of their own. It was my privilege to read an early copy in PDF file, with no promise of a review. Publisher Calkins Creek is a reliable producer of high-quality picture books and I look forward to having physical copies in hand and to give as gifts.
This is not available for distribution until October, but I am posting my review now because you can place advance orders, from an independent bookstore, please. Those early orders can help books and publishers and stores survive, and you won't be charged until the books are ready to go out, in most cases. Find your nearest stores here. You can also request your local library to order it. If you enjoy nonfiction (nearly biographic) picture books, this one is a must-have. -
Super heroes can have some amazing powers, but what about everyday people? James Kelly had a sensitive nose and a drive to keep others safe. He used those powers to detect leaks that could have caused explosions and other danger to the New York subway and its passengers and workers. He walked miles every day inspecting the tracks and searching for problems, as well as inventing tools to help in his job and training others to carry on his work.
The illustrations show the underground of New York with all its wires, cables, pipes, storage tanks, and other mysterious objects that those on the surface may never know about. A yellow-green swirl flows across the pages to represent the odors that "Smelly" Kelly encountered. Readers will be able to pick out Kelly in each scene with his signature red hair. Fashions of the early 1900s appear on various figures in the pictures, but most of the attention is on the daringKelly and his underground workplace.
The author's note mentions that not much is known about Kelly's childhood, but that he served in the British Navy during World War I, then moved to New York after the war. There is also information on the tools he used and on the amount of cables and pipes that run beneath the city.
An intriguing look at an everyday hero and the early days of mass transit. Recommended for those readers who always want a new book about transportation, or those who ask for hero stories. -
I grew up in NYC and rode the subway many times...but I had never hear of James Kelly until I read Beth Anderson's fabulous picture book, SMELLY KELLY.
WOW! I love when authors uncover these gems from history and are able to craft a story that kids will enjoy reading. This is how to spark a child's interest and curiosity! And the illustrations are a perfect match for the exciting narrative! I definitely recommend this book for all elementary classrooms and home bookshelves! -
Surely kids will be attracted to this book because of its title (as was I). But the story goes so much further – it is one about the extraordinary ability of an ordinary man and how he used that keep the subway and the people of New York safe. It’s also about one man’s desire to learn and better himself. The tales of Kelly’s work are attention grabbers, keeping the reader turning pages to see what remarkable thing Smelly Kelly will do next!
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Anderson does a superb job bringing James Kelley’s life to surface as a super sniffer who saved the NY Subway from countless leaks and accidents. Kids will love the superhero like artwork by Harney. The ending, full of heart, shows how everyone has a super sense. Back matter explains which parts of the story are fiction and which parts are true.
~received this arc from the publisher -
Beth Anderson introduces readers to New York City employee James Kelly, an ordinary man with an extraordinary sense of smell who saved the subway in New York. Children will love this riveting read filled with sensory details while learning about a man who risked his own safety to help society, much like we've seen our first responders and everyday workers do today during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“Smelly" Kelly is such an inspiring, interesting, and entertaining story for all ages. I had no idea this amazing man kept people safe with his amazing sense! The artwork compliments the text with its fun, old-fashioned style; I felt like I was there and had so much fun following the smells in the images while being enthralled by Kelly’s story!
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Beth Anderson has a way of sniffing an incredible story and telling it in a way that is both engaging and informative. This is the kind of book that is perfect for homeschooling, or any person who is curious and interested in learning new things. My son was mesmerized by the talents and adventures of Smelly Kelly!
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"Smelly" Kelly, an immigrant from Ireland, uses his superpower - his incredible sense of smell - to keep the New York City Subway system safe and running. Vivid illustrations depict beautiful details of the subway system and old New York, and readers will learn about this unsung hero. A perfect read for anyone interested in stories about using what you do best to make a difference.
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We loved the story of James Kelly and his amazing nose. While this picture book about how his super nose saved the new York City Subway (more than once) was a delightful read my boys loved James Kelly's quote at the end the most: "So you've got to figure the leak before it figures you and blows everything to kingdom come."
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Smelly Kelly saved the day in many ways during his employment with the New York Subway system. Reader's learn about the many objects James Kelly created or modified to find dangerous leaks. This novel is told in an engaging format and makes for a quick read for school aged children.
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Very interesting nonfiction picture book. Well written and well developed. Some of the content is a little confusing if you don't know anything about the underground workings of a city, but the author and illustrator did a nice job trying to bring that to light.
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Love this story! An real-life, unique character with near super-hero smelling skills who used them for the greater good. Great addition to any library that cherishes interesting personal histories, immigrant histories, and not-so-famous-but-should-be New Yorkers!
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Do you think a good sense of smell isn't a superhero power? Well think again. This book tells the life of the super-sniffer who regularly saved lives. It's a fascinating story about an unknown hero.
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Devises scientific solutions to expand his senses to identify leaks in the New York City subway system.
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Wow! SMELLY KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES is riveting and fascinating. The illustrations and text are a perfect pair. I loved learning about this incredible superhero!
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Very interesting true tale of a man who used his keen sense of smell, along with study and some unique tools, to find dangers in NYC. Love the illustrations!
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The true story of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell and his uncanny ability to literally sniff out problems in New York City's subway system.
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Fantastic picture book biography with a lot of heart.
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Fun non fiction story about using your senses to help others.
