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queenoffirestone's review
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I think this is objectively a good book but I have a hard time with lies so reading this made me feel sick. It's all about a big lie.
manwithanagenda's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Irma Baumlein just blurted it out. A lie. A little lie that kept growing bigger with every moment. She tells a girl in her class that she owns the biggest doll in the world because she feels she doesn't have anything to offer in friendship. To her dismay the claim is taken up and soon its the talk of the school, which has an upcoming open house to raise money.
This was a very simple but very fun story about consequences that scratches at deeper levels of loneliness and insecurities in young children. The reader instantly relataes to Irma as she digs herself deeper into trouble. Love this and the illustrations.
This was a very simple but very fun story about consequences that scratches at deeper levels of loneliness and insecurities in young children. The reader instantly relataes to Irma as she digs herself deeper into trouble. Love this and the illustrations.
ljrinaldi's review
3.0
When this book came out, I was already to old to read it. In fact, in discovering it in my book case, while I was rearranging it, I noticed that it had my younger sister's name written in it. It probably ended up in my book case because the edition of the book I have was illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, an illustrator no longer with us, so to speak, but had the most intricate, detailed drawings. A lot of the books she illustrated have been re-illustrated with new, more contemporary artists, which is a shame. It would be like redrawing Charlette's Web, Winnie the Pooh, or Laura Engles Wilder books.
But, back to the book, I suppose. How is the book, never mind the illustrations, you might say?
The book is the story of Irma who tells one lie, which keeps growing, that she has the largest doll in the world, and then must prove it. It is the story of the new girl, trying to impress others. It is the story of a small town America that I only vaguely thing ever existed. The author started writing in the 1930s, and won a Newberry in 1936. Like Beverly Cleary, the stories are a little dated, but I think that children can still relate to the stories, even if they are not filled with modern technology.
The only thing that I find odd, reading this as an adult, is how many children were in her best friend Judah had in her family. Four brothers, plus her, plus her toddler sister, and a new baby.
The book is a quick read. The characters are all believable, and I would rate it higher, but it isn't outstanding. I would give it an extra star if you were reading the one illustrated by Hyman, just for the fun illustrations.
But, back to the book, I suppose. How is the book, never mind the illustrations, you might say?
The book is the story of Irma who tells one lie, which keeps growing, that she has the largest doll in the world, and then must prove it. It is the story of the new girl, trying to impress others. It is the story of a small town America that I only vaguely thing ever existed. The author started writing in the 1930s, and won a Newberry in 1936. Like Beverly Cleary, the stories are a little dated, but I think that children can still relate to the stories, even if they are not filled with modern technology.
The only thing that I find odd, reading this as an adult, is how many children were in her best friend Judah had in her family. Four brothers, plus her, plus her toddler sister, and a new baby.
The book is a quick read. The characters are all believable, and I would rate it higher, but it isn't outstanding. I would give it an extra star if you were reading the one illustrated by Hyman, just for the fun illustrations.
bent's review
4.0
I think we picked up this book when I was a kid from a book sale. I quite enjoyed it. I liked how Irma told one lie to try to fit in with her friends and it led to a huge quagmire of confusion. Irma was kind of a neat character, and it was gratifying to see her go from being a bit of an outcast loner at the beginning of the book to finding friends and being accepted by the end.
satyridae's review
2.0
Simplistic yet sympathetic morality tale about the consequences of lying and the freedom to be found in truth.
ejderwood's review
4.0
Ah to be a superior ten year old who reads a lot and looks over her glasses at people in trouble for an escalating lie in the turn of the century.
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