Picture Book Reviews

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lewin, Betsy. 1996. CHUBBO’S POOL. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN  0-395-72807-X

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Chubbo the hippopotamus was hot and thirsty, so he went in search of a pool to cool and quench himself.  He found a wonderful spot that was uninhabited and loved the quiet.  Eventually Chubbo’s pool was discovered by others and he was no longer alone.  Chubbo did not like the disturbance but he soon learns that sharing with others is not quite so bad.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Betsy Lewin tells a story about a hippopotamus that is only concerned about his own needs.  He is unwilling to share and aid others in their functional needs.  Chubbo the hippopotamus appears not to be caring at all.  The story depicts how selfish we can be at times when we have a need that must be met.  We do not care about anyone else but ourselves.  Then a situation presents itself where we realize that we need the help of others and sometimes even though we have been selfish someone is selfless towards us.

As both the author and the illustrator Betsy Lewin depicts a beautiful habitat in which the main character dwells.  The watercolor illustrations demonstrate beautiful imagery that show movement that creates a vivid visual of the story.

This story shows that even if you are not nice to others, they may be nice to you.  Acts of kindness may occur when you least expect it.  It also teaches that even the most selfish among us can learn to share.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Realistic watercolors of Botswana wildlife are the backdrop”

Review in KIRKUS REVIEW: “The very realistic, soft watercolors of animals and landscape are out of step with the heavily anthropomorphized tale--and much more appealing.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “Inspired by the author’s experience in Botswana, this is a delightful tale that humorously conveys the value of sharing and the joys of friendship.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This is a book that demonstrates sharing and caring and how fun it can be.

*The beautiful watercolor illustrations show the Pratt Institute Alumni’s amazing talent for depicting animals beautifully.

*Other books for children about being selfish, sharing and showing kindness:

Reiss, Mike. THE BOY THAT WOULDN’T SHARE. ISBN 9780060591328

Charles, Faustin.   THE SELFISH CROCODILE. ISBN 9781408885253

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Raschka, Chris. 2011. A BALL FOR DAISY. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 978-0-375-85861-1

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Daisy the dog and her red ball without words. Daisy loved her ball.  She always had the ball near her and loved to play with it.  What in the world would Daisy do without her ball?

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Chris Raschka tells the story through a series of illustrations that capture all the emotions that Daisy the dog goes through in her adventure of love, loss and then an unexpected surprise.  The illustrator chooses the color red for the ball to make it stand out and leap off the page showing its significance.

This book shows what happens when you lose something you love deeply.  Anyone who has ever lost something special to them can relate to this book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children.”

Starred review in HORN BOOK: “a story that is note worthy for both its artistry and its child appeal.”

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotion arc been drawn with such utter, winning simplicity.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book shows authentic sadness over the loss of a beloved toy and the joy of obtaining another one. It can appeal to all who have lost something special.

*Chris Raschka, a New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator exhibits beautiful emotions in his drawing, his other picture books are worth checking out.

*Other books for children about coping with loss include:

Buscaglia, Leo. THE FALL OF FREDDIE THE LEAF: A STORY OF LIFE FOR ALL AGES.   ISBN 9780805010640

Falconer, Ian. OLIVIA… AND THE MISSING TOY. ISBN 9780689852916

 

  

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Thompson, Kay. 1955. ELOISE. Ill. by Hilary Knight. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-671-22350-2

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Eloise is a little girl that has quite an interesting living situation.  She lives on the top floor at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The staff at the hotel all know Eloise, she keeps them very busy.   She spends her day running about trying to find something interesting to do. 

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this hilariously written story the author describes the adventures of a little girl who has no parental supervision and is loosely cared for by a Nanny. This fictional tail explains the life of a curious six-year-old with no structure at one of the most prestigious hotels in the world.   Young readers enjoy her adventure and adult readers may wonder why she is not placed in time out.

Hilary Knight brings Eloise to life with his wonderful drawings which are full of action shots, poses and emotional detailed faces. He distinctly draws each character and gives lots of detail to the settings.  The drawings are mostly black and white with a splash of red and pink throughout.

This book although fictional may not send the best message to young readers.  Eloise lacks self-control and she is not held accountable for her bad behavior.  She is sneaky and deceitful.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review by Maurice Sendak: “My happiest response to Eloise was entirely due to the brilliant, iconic images.  That brazen loose-limbed deliciously little girl monster is Hilary Knight at his best.”

Review by Edward I Koch: “Eloise is one of the more delightfully fiendish literary heroines of our time.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This is a book that makes you smile and laugh.

*Hilary Knight has illustrated other books in the same style and color as Eloise.  The poses and action sites of those drawings are exceptional as well.  Mr. Knight also illustrated the other Eloise books in the series.

*Other books about Eloise:

Thompson, Kay. ELOISE IN PARIS. ISBN 0689827040

Thompson, Kay. ELOISE AT THE WEDDING. ISBN 0689874499

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. Ill. by Willems, Mo. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423102991  

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Trixie was so very excited to take her Knuffle Bunny to school for show and tell.  She thought her Knuffle Bunny was one of a kind.  No one had a Knuffle Bunny but her, so she really wanted her friends to meet him.  When she arrived in class she discovered that Knuffle Bunny is not one of a kind because Sonja has one.  The two girls had a hard time adjusting to this fact, so their teacher had to take both Knuffle Bunnies up and then she gave them back at the end of the day.  Later that night, the two girls realized that they had the wrong bunny.   

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Mo Willems tells a story of how when faced with a problem in the middle of the night it is Dad to the rescue.  The story is told in a simplistic way, yet it conveys the excitement and later the frustration and anxiety of the main character well.  It clearly captures what it is like to be in pre-K.

The images in the book are colored hand drawn sketches that are added to black and white photographs of Park Slope, Brooklyn in New York. The photographs were taken by the author. This adds such a beautiful big presence to the back drop of the story.  The contrast of the sketches and the photographs really make the setting come alive.

The story captures what it is like to need something so desperately in the middle of the night that you are willing to do anything to get it and the parents who are willing to take you.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in Kirkus Review: “His mastery of pacing is evident in every panel and page turn, the understated text punctuating the illustrations perfectly, and his use of the conventions of cartooning add to the hilarity.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “Willems cartoon-style art, set against crisp black-and-white photos of New York City interiors and exteriors catches every bit of the plentiful emotion.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This is a book that shows the love of Dads and how they are willing to do anything to make their children happy. It also shows how an unfortunate incident can bring friends together.

*The beautiful way the images in this and the other Knuffle Bunny books are put together make for a beautiful back drop.

*Other books for children about families with preschoolers

Brown, Marc. D.W.’S GUIDE TO PRESCHOOL. ISBN 9780316013154

Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE: AN UNEXPECTED DIVERSION.

ISBN 9780061929571