182
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #187,312 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
Atrocious
I work in an elementary school library, so I'm always looking for new books to introduce the children to. I read this in a bookstore and while I loved the illustrations, no illustrations could compensate for the story.
This is a beautifully designed book. It is intriguing visually, pulling the reader in with an overload of imagery. I could definitely see a child tracing the pages with a finger to figure out where it all starts and ends.
That said, I would never read this to a child. The protagonist is rewarded for being manipulative, destructive, and dishonest. I am horrified that this is being lauded as a best book for kids. This is a book that makes a hero out of a spoiled brat, and instructs a child to lie to enjoy themselves. There are so many good picture books out there; I highly recommend you leave this on the shelf.
August 2007 · Books