Author: Roz Rosenbluth Illustrator: Maurie J. Manning Published: 2005 Flashlight Press ISBN: 0972922555 Chapters.ca Amazon.com Told from the perspective of a caring school boy and brought to life by breezy, evocative illustrations, this uplifting story propels us from feelings of adoration and honour, through dread and embarrassment and, finally, to understanding and appreciation. Who says nice guys finish last? Tags:childrens book, Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick, Maurie J. Manning, Podcast, Roz Rosenbluthchildrens book, Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick, Maurie J. Manning, Podcast, Roz Rosenbluth
4 Comments on Supreme Esteem: Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick, last added: 4/24/2007
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Andrea and Mark,
It’s such a pleasure to hear two expert children’s book reviewers notice and comment on so many of the details and elements we worked so hard on in this book: each of the characters’ personalities, the popular kid thing and that feeling of being “in” if he likes you, how to describe grandma’s behaviors without actually calling it dementia or Alzheimer’s, David’s unconditional love for her, the development of the story, the touching ending, the illustrations and everyone’s expressions through the various stages, the little sister running around in the background, my (and your) favorite passage and its closing refrain, “Ruben The Plotnick put down his glass, wiped his hands on his jeans…,” how the parents think Grandma is having a “senior moment” at the end when she asks for the little boy in the sink, the underlying message(s) – you got it all. I could really hear how this book entertained and touched both of you – it came through in your voices. And to hear Lucy’s one-line summation, “He likes people the way they are,” was so satisfying. She really got it, which means we captured the perfect balance. Thank you so much for this rave review.
Shari Dash Greenspan, Editor, Flashlight Press
Shari,
As you can tell, we get very excited about children’s books and we really enjoy the little details that contribute to the enjoyment — images and text. “The Plotnick” is such a great book and it has already made visits to our daughters’ day care and was read with some friends at a noisy restaurant last evening.Thank you for your incredible contributions to children’s literature and literacy!!!
Sincerely,
Mark
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I wish this book was around when I was growing up (great name in the title!). Ruben sounds like a unique character which must be refreshing for children. Furthermore, the plot seems to take a new spin at the old “popular kid” story. Having friends come over to your house is such an exciting, yet scary event for every kid. The experience exposes the child’s “other side” to his or her friends….ah, memories.