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Book Spotlight~ The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle

October 22, 2015 By Heather Leave a Comment

Book Spotlight~ The Nonsense Show by Eric CarleThe Nonsense Show by Eric Carle
Published by Philomel on Ocotber 13, 2015
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Buy the Book • Goodreads
Ducks growing out of bananas? A mouse catching a cat? What’s wrong with this book?

Yes, there’s something strange, something funny and even downright preposterous on every page of this book But it’s not a mistake – it’s nonsense! And it’s also surrealism. Nonsense lies at the heart of many beloved nursery rhymes. Children readily accept odd statements like “the cow
jumped over the moon” and “the dish ran away with the spoon.” This fanciful bending of reality is also basic to surrealism.

In this book, nonsense and surrealism combine to spark creativity and imagination. What’s true? What’s impossible? What’s absolutely absurd? From Eric Carle, creator of the classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes a book to make children laugh and think, preparing them for a
lifetime of loving both words and art.

Following on the heels of The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse (an homage to the artist Franz Marc and expressionism) and Friends, with its semi-abstract artwork, The Nonsense Show forms a trilogy of sorts, dedicated to introducing young readers to different styles of artwork without ever overlooking the need to, first and foremost, appeal to children and their love of play. One of the true legends and pioneers of picture book making continues to expand and challenge the genre

About the Author

eric carle
Eric Carle (born June 25, 1929) is a children’s book author and illustrator, most famous for his book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which has been translated into over 30 languages. Since The Very Hungry Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 71 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long~ Review

July 14, 2014 By Heather Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Philomel in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long~ ReviewOtis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long
Published by Philomel on August 28, 2014
Genres: Children's, Picture book
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Source: Philomel
Buy the Book • Goodreads
five-stars
On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, the farmer has introduced someone new—a scarecrow to shoo away the pesky crows. But when Otis and the animals greet the scarecrow with friendly smiles, the scarecrow’s frown never leaves his face. So everyone leaves him alone.

Then one day, when a cold autumn rain sets in, Otis and the animals snuggle close and play Otis’s favorite game: the quiet game. Otis knows the puppy and ducks can’t sit still for long, and soon the farm friends begin to giggle and squirm, feeling warmed by one another’s friendship . . . but on this day, Otis can't seem to take his eyes off the lonely figure in the cornfield.
A deeply resonant book about subtle acts of compassion and standing up for others, featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis.

little red reads review

I have been a fan of the Otis books since the very first picture book in this series came out. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a tender hearted old fashioned red tractor that makes the best of friends with everyone on his farm?

Fall has set in, the leaves are changing, the pumpkins are ready to harvest and there is a chill in the air. Along comes a new addition to the hill, a scarecrow! At first everyone is scared of this sour faced, stern statue who stands watch each and every day alone. But soon, the crows pick at him and all turn away to ignore him. Otis, friendly as he is, can  not understand why Mr. Scarecrow is so serious! There are no smiles, no greetings, no hellos. Can anyone befriend him?

With beautiful illustrations  and a message that will bring a smile, we give Otis and the Scarecrow 5 stars. Loren Long teaches that even the unfriendliest of neighbors need someone to stand by them. Otis has won us over once again!

 

little red reads ratingPraise for the Book

* “Long’s gouache and pencil artwork is stunning. . . the satisfying conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children.” —School Library Journal on Otis, starred review

* “The illustrations wonderfully enhance the story, from the joy of the animals prancing around the Christmas tree to Otis’ expressive responses to the events around him.” —Booklist on An Otis Christmas, starred review

“Hearkens to the golden age of picture books, with a style and tone that recall the work of Virginia Lee Burton and Munro Leaf.” —Booklist on Otis and the Tornado

“Fans of Otis will not be disappointed with the satisfying ending that results in a creative solution and a most happy reunion. Seek this out—“game on!” —Kirkus Reviews on Otis and the Puppy

About the Author

Author Loren Long
Loren Long has putt puff puttedy chuffed his way all over the bestseller lists with such titles as Otis, Otis and the Tornado, Otis and the Puppy, An Otis Christmas, Drummer Boy, Toy Boat by Randall de Sève, and Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna. He’s also had the opportunity to modernize the classic The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper and had the distinct honor of illustrating Of Thee I Sing by President Barack Obama. A graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Loren lives in Ohio with his wife, Tracy, and their two sons.

You can visit Loren Long at www.OtisTheTractor.com and www.LorenLong.com. Follow @lorenlong

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We are the children's division of Fire and Ice. We review baby board books to middle-grade titles. We also review products and toys for the family. For inquiries on reviews, blog tours, and author interviews contact FireandIce.Heather@gmail.com
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