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mdevlin923's review against another edition
2.0
Two brothers share the rules that they learned while playing together throughout the summer.
Surreal illustrations that completely subvert the text.
Surreal illustrations that completely subvert the text.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. My years old didn't quite "get" this book so he still had a puzzled look on his face when we reached the final page.
The book is on the surreal side. It isn't so much a story as it is a set of rules. Each page has a rule and then a (fantastic) picture to accompany it.
The book is on the surreal side. It isn't so much a story as it is a set of rules. Each page has a rule and then a (fantastic) picture to accompany it.
misspippireads's review against another edition
3.0
What a fantastical book about summer rules that one child learned over one summer. Each two page piece of art is attached to one sentence. Very simple. Very dramatic. Very fantastical! Each phrase let's the imagination play. Tan's book opens the world for readers to create their own book of rules they learned over a summer, a school year, or another experience.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
shadylane_00's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
What a fantastical book! I'm always a fan of dubitative modality (pulling in my Nikolajeva and Scott references here, yo), especially when the narrative is totally plausible and yet the images are not as plausible. The rules of summer are accompanied with illustrations depicting how these brothers learned the rules--sometimes by being watched by hawks, sometimes by getting lost in dark junk fields. You'll never know how they learn these rules, and that's what keeps you guessing.
In any case, Tan's incredible pastel artwork is something to behold--the contrasts, the page turns, it's all SO GOOD. This is perfect for an end of summer pre-school book, especially for those who like things a little bit strange.
Review cross-listed here!
In any case, Tan's incredible pastel artwork is something to behold--the contrasts, the page turns, it's all SO GOOD. This is perfect for an end of summer pre-school book, especially for those who like things a little bit strange.
Review cross-listed here!
amibunk's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This book made absolutely no sense to me. And yet...
And yet...
There's something emotional about the stark, industrial nature of the illustrations. And some of the "lessons" learned during summer are poignant and touching.
"Never wait for an apology."
"Always know the way home."
The book make me think, and that is no small feat with a picture book.
(In full disclosure, my daughter and her friend did NOT like this book. I think it's one of those children's books that meant for adults.)
This book made absolutely no sense to me. And yet...
And yet...
There's something emotional about the stark, industrial nature of the illustrations. And some of the "lessons" learned during summer are poignant and touching.
"Never wait for an apology."
"Always know the way home."
The book make me think, and that is no small feat with a picture book.
(In full disclosure, my daughter and her friend did NOT like this book. I think it's one of those children's books that meant for adults.)