One of the strongest things about this book is that the story is told both wonderfully and believably from the point of view of a 4 year old child who hears what adults say, takes what he hears literally and let's his imagination cut loose. The authenticity of the child's voice is a strong point of this book and will invite children into the book, so booksellers, teachers, parents, and librarians should pick up on this unusual strength and aim to get the book into children's hands. The softness and delicateness of the illustrations is inviting and makes the book an appropriate read for nap or bedtime as well as for circle time at school. The author and illustrator both seem to be poised for more attention in the US. Chronicle will be publishing a book illustrated by Godbout, as I recently learned from her agent. Contemporary storytelling combined with illustrations that have a vintage air give this book a current feel. This book feels to be more than a book of the moment. It isn't cool and pop and design-y, but rather touches on eternal themes with thoughtfulness and humor.
Joseph Fipps