Louis Slobodkin (1903–1975)

I was surprised to find myself actually really enjoying this book. At first I thought it was going to be dated and the illustrations were going to be poor, but I found myself pleasantly surprised.
The illustrations, although not as colorful as I would prefer, were entirely appropriate to the mood of the story and fit great to the written text! I liked how on each page, Michael's head was this specific animal and he would typically be acting as this animal would act. For example, on page 15-16 I love the artwork of Michael as a kangaroo, hopping across the pages.
I believe that the plot of the story was also gotten across well and as a reader you're able to interpret each page in various ways. The story was organized and well-paced.
I loved the patterns in language and the rhyming lines. Every page had a pair of rhymed set(s) and the illustrations always paired perfectly with the text! For example, on the page when its stated, "And he hopped so fast it was a shock. When he stood still and was a ROCK. Or he'd ting-a-ling and boom tick-tock" (pg 20). Seeing these types of language would be very beneficial to student understanding of rhymes and figurative language.
I believe the big idea or message of the book is to just be happy with who you are. Do not try to be something you are not, for it will never work out in your favor! The pictures and ending really helped in allowing me to interpret this message!… (més)