Kaz Windness

First sentence: Door crack. Sunbeam.
Cat stretch. Daydream.

Premise/plot: What happens when a family's pets accept a delivery package and the humans aren't home? This early reader imagines such an event. The delivery is a vacuum cleaner. And it is ENEMY and FOE. Who will win the day?

My thoughts: I did not like this one at all. I expected to. I just REALLY did not. This one doesn't have a complete sentence in the whole book. It just doesn't. It is told in rhyme. You can rhyme and write in more complete sentences. Perhaps it isn't just the fragmentation--which is a stylistic choice, for sure. There are two things that didn't quite sit right with me...personally. First, I think the author made a list of all the things that COULD be appealing to young readers--namely boys in my imagination, but perhaps young girls as well. POOP. PEE. UNDERWEAR, etc. Then I think the author tried to include as many as possible.

Vac VROOM,
Vac SCHLOOP!
Vac eat cat poop.
Vac chase. Dog WEE!
Vac GLURP dog pee.

Such wonderful literature, right??? For those that are offended by animals--pets--in underwear, be warned. (This isn't a deal breaker for me.)

Second, I think the illustrations just aren't my cup of tea. Perhaps they will be yours. Again, illustrations are completely subjective.… (més)

First sentence: Hello! Hello! We are friends, Caterpillar! Yes, Worm. Best friends!

Premise/plot: Worm and Caterpillar are friends. Worm sees only how alike they are. Caterpillar, however, is always quick to point out they are not the same, how different they are. Caterpillar even corrects Worm now and then; Worm is quick to make conclusions (at time). This is the story of what happens when Caterpillar transitions into a Butterfly. Worm is not a big fan of change, and, well, Worm doesn't know quite what to make of what his best friend has become. (Are butterflies like birds???? Should he be afraid of his flying friend????)

My thoughts: This early reader 'graphic' novel includes information on the life cycle of worms and caterpillars. The story could quite naturally be taken literally at face value. Of course, the story might be interpreted by some readers--other readers--symbolically, allegorically. Regardless of how far you want to take the text--it is a story of acceptance, affirmation, and growth (in friendship).… (més)