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How could I resist reading and reviewing this charming and quirky book - look at those characters! I had first noticed Elena Odriozola's illustration in Story Blanket. I love the mature and sensitive nature of her drawings. Paired with Tom MacRae's unusual story and playful book design, The Opposite was fun and captivating to read.
Nate wakes up to a strange visitor - "The Opposite" and after making a few messes, and taking the blame, Nate comes up with a good plan for ridding himself of his grinning menace. The text sets the stage nicely for Elena's complex illustrations. Mostly transparent, "The Opposite" is fun to find on each page. Oh, and I do love the art room scene and the climax when "The Opposite" surrenders to Nate's wit.
Even the endpapers are beautiful and worth exploring with an observant reader. Visit Peachtree's website for more information on this award-winning book, or their blog for children's publishing insight. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway!!!
Hello Gina!
Thank you for posting about this boo which I LOVE! Ordizola's illustrations are always interesting and unusual, she always catches little wierd details that make her books fun and charming.
Cris
It was not boo but book, of course! :-)
wow the illustrations are really amazing! It looks like such an interesting book Gina!
This is a must read for me! You have certainly piqued my curiosity with your review, Gina. And I want to see more of the illustrations. Elena Odrizola's work is reminiscent of Edward Gorey's.
Great post!
I am loving the Peachtree Publishers book week! It's wonderful that it happens to fall on Children's Book Week! Great reviews so far, especially of The Opposite. It is a personal favorite of mine! I am so glad you enjoyed it.
So cool!
My daughter (age 4) and I love reading this book. The other day she said 'where'd you put the Opposite book?' :) It's a fun one to read. I also love The Story Blanket.
Thanks everyone! I NEED to read The Story Blanket too.
I love Ordizola's illustrations. They are so quiry and gorgous. I wish I had half her talent.