Through the Looking Glass Book Reviews: The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration

Welcome!

Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Nine

Many people like to daydream, imagining what it would be like to be famous and glamorous. They imagine that such a life would be delightful, and that it would make them happy. Today's picture book explores the idea that fame might not be as desirable as it seems.

Ordinary Oscar

Laura Adkins

Illustrated by Sam Hearn

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Tiger Tales, 2010, 978-1-58925-085-7

Oscar Slimeglider is a snail who has a very ordinary life. Like all the other snails, he sleeps during the day and eats all night. He is “bored with being greenish-grayish-brownish.” More than anything Oscar wants to be special, he wants to be noticeable and different.

Oscar’s parents cannot understand Oscar’s attitude. Their other children are perfectly happy with their lives, and they think that Oscar is being foolish. Despite this, Oscar is determined to change his life, so he goes to visit the Wise Old Snail. The Wise Old Snail warns Oscar that being famous isn’t always easy, but if Oscar is certain that this is what he wants he should ask the Fairy Godsnail to help him.

The Fairy Godsnail is willing to help Oscar, and she gives him three wishes. Immediately, Oscar wishes for his appearance to change; he wants to look like a dazzling famous snail. His wish comes true, and Oscar is delighted, until he discovers that looking sensational is not all that wonderful after all.

Many of us wish for a glamorous life, thinking that such a life will make us happy. Of course, fame does not guarantee happiness, which is what Oscar learns in this charming story. In his own way, he discovers that true greatness does not depend on one looking fabulous or being famous.

With its amusing snail-centric illustrations and its meaningful story, this picture book is sure to charm young readers.

1 comment:

Elizabeth Bennett said...: Thanks for reviewing our book "Ordinary Oscar" on your blog. We love this book and hope it will "worm" (or I should say, "snail") its way into your hearts... We have posted a link to your blog on facebook and twitter.
Happy Reading,
Elizabeth Bennett; March 11, 2011 at 6:45 AM