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Jacket flap copy reads: Adam does not like Koala. Koala is the most terrible terrible. Or is he?
We all know what it's like to get that gift that's so awful that we just want to get rid of it, so we can identify with Adam and his universal problem. After all, Koala has terrible eyes that follow Adam wherever he goes. Who would keep a gift like that? Yikes!
Instead of coloring an uncomfortable situation as is done in many picture books, Sean Ferrell lets us know by the title and repetition on the first page that Adam does not like Koala, and showcases Adam's subsequent attempts to get rid of Koala.
While this may be considered dark, or subversive, we truly love the honesty of this book. This honesty makes the solution and character change so warmly rewarding, AND offers an unexpected twist at the end.
Charles Santoso's digitally-colored pencil illustrations perfectly convey why Adam doesn't like Koala and yet helps gives an emotional arc to the story.
Pick up a copy of I Don't Like Koala. Try it, you might even like him!
Review by Lynne Marie
NOTE from REVIEWER: If you are an author or illustrator who is interested in having your book reviewed on this blog, please e-mail LiterallyLynneMarie@Gmail.com for hard copy address. We would be glad to review your book, and if possible, include an activity for readers. We are also interested in Guest Blog Posts and select Interviews. Thank you for supporting My Word Playground in it's goal to spread the Word about reading and children's writing.
What a really clever cover. Perfectly fits the title. Sounds like a hilarious book for kids.
ReplyDeleteIt is, and in a left-handed way, it suggests that they might be more open to seeing the positive in something. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground. Please feel free to sift through our archives. Lots of treasures there!
DeleteI plan to check this one out at the library. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do, and that you enjoy it! We originally got this book from the library and enjoyed it so much, bought our own copy from the bookstore! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground. Please feel free to sift through our archives. Lots of treasures there!
DeleteOo, I remember moments like this as a kid! Though I do feel for Koala too!
ReplyDeleteLOL, me too! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, Joanna. Feel free to sift through the sand in the archives for inspirational posts from authors!
ReplyDelete