The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Lazar, Tara

Normal Norman

40 pp. | Sterling | March, 2016 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4549-1321-4 $14.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Stephan Britt. An unusual ape named Norman thwarts the (brown-skinned) "junior scientist," who speaks directly to readers, as she attempts to define "normal." From his "dual-rocket jet pack" to his beloved stuffed aardvark, Norman defies expectations and ultimately inspires the narrator to be herself. The heavy-handed ending undercuts the book's effectiveness, but Britt's vividly colored illustrations mix eye-catching patterns and evoke a lively mid-century style.

Reviewer: Molly Saunders