Review: Neville

Neville by Norton Juster and illustrated by G. Brian Karas is the story of a very clever boy in a new neighborhood. When the story begins Neville is depressed because his family has moved. That means everything is new and he has lost everything he knew - his neighborhood, his school, his friends.

His mother tells him to walk down the street. He thinks that's a silly idea. It's unlikely he'll meet anybody just walking down the street. Nevertheless, instead of searching for new friends he discovers a way to have them find him.

He calls his own name, Neville, again and again. Eventually one child, then another and soon the whole neighborhood shows up because they want to help this new kid find Neville. It works, they do find Neville and by the end of the day he has many new friends.

It is a bit surprising that none of the children question Neville about his mysterious friend, but accept at face value the idea that a friend has been lost. Then again, that's one of the ways children see life - wide open and believable.

The illustrations add considerably to the changes in Neville. When the book begins it his new home appears to be in a desert. When he calls his name, it is in a dull blue and gray. When the other children start helping him the font and colors change and become bright and exciting. The neighborhood also changes with the grass turning green and color added to the surroundings.

Written by the acclaimed author of The Phantom Tollbooth, this is a story children will want to hear again and again, especially if they have moved into a new neighborhood.

 

Review: This Moose Belongs to Me

Wilfred wears red suspenders and a bow tie. Wilfred wants a pet.

One day Wilfred happens upon a moose and decides the moose can be his pet. Wilfred names the moose, Marcel and establishes some rules for being a good pet. Marcel doesn't follow the rules, though and wanders off.

One day Wilfred follows his moose and sees someone else who thinks she owns Marcel. She calls him, Rodrigo, and gives him an apple.

Saddened, Wilfred heads home, but he gets lost until Marcel comes to his rescue. This leads Wilfred to establish a new rule: Marcel can follow the rules to being a good pet when he wants that way he and Wilfred can be friends.

The illustrations in This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers, combine oil paintings on old linotype and painted landscapes... I have a friend who would want a copy of this book just to tear out the pages to frame them.

The language Oliver Jeffers chooses might be too difficult at times for young readers, so don't be surprised if you're asked a lot of 'what does this mean' questions when reading this delightful book.

 

Review: Alice the Fairy

Caldecott Honor artist and bestselling author David Shannon's warm and funny new picture book introduces Alice the Fairy. It's a cute, funny book about a child who wants to be a magic fairy.

Alice is a mischievous little girl with a "No, David" nose for trouble and a magic wand. She's just a 'temporary' fairy. That means her magic is limited, but she's learning so that eventually she will be a 'permanent' fairy.

She practices her magic on the things and people in her home, including her dad and her dog. She gets into trouble, but her coincidental magic helps her deal with it. She wants to use her magic to float her dog to the ceiling and to help put her clothes away. Does it work? If you believe in magic, it could.

The story mixes fantasy and realism as Alice imagines she is a credible fairy. I think any child who loves fantasy, silliness, and magic will love this book, especially girls.

As is the case with all of Caldecott honor artist, David Shannon's books, the artwork is outstanding, with pictures even in the words that make up the text.