Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Carnavas, Peter
5 Reviews
(3)
K-3
This picture book amusingly frames a simple errand (delivering a package) as an “expedition,” with dramatic voiceover-esque narration (“This is their story”) providing humor through its completely serious delivery. The cartoonish illustrations make varied use of the spreads as the expedition encounters obstacles (a hurt toe; an “ambush” by an adult, or “senior officer”). Sure to provide great fun as a deadpan read-aloud.
Reviewer: Shoshana Flax
(2)
K-3
On her first day at a new school, Jessica (who happens to use a wheelchair) brings a teddy bear in a box, and the other kids laugh (or walk away). By the fourth day, discouraged Jessica puts the box over her head--and becomes friends with a boy who thinks she's playing around. A straightforward story and simple mixed-media illustrations are strengths of this Australian import.
Reviewer: Sam Bloom
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2015
(3)
K-3
Each time Whale complains (e.g., "It's my bike...It's all wet"), Penguin has the answer ("You can use my towel"). It makes no sense--the "bike" is clearly a shopping cart, and it's underwater, so of course it's wet--but no matter: the subtly sold point is that a friend makes everything better. The collage-style art indulges the story's straight-faced silliness.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(3)
K-3
"One quiet morning, a small boy landed on the page." There he plants a tree, falls in love, etc. Still, he ultimately tries jumping off, "only to tumble straight back" onto a scene full of the people who love him--"At last...he knew why he was here." This existential meditation works because the illustrations are lighthearted and the philosophizing light-handed.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(3)
K-3
Angus and Lucy's family don't own a television, car, or house, but their trailer is teeming with books. When the books overtake the home, they must go. The newly uncluttered space means "a lot more space between them all," until a library book lovingly reunites them. Quiet illustrations with generous white space complement this gentle tribute to family reading and libraries.
Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale
5 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.