Reviews

The Great Zapfino by Mac Barnett

misspippireads's review

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2.0

A nearly wordless picture book with lovely black and white artwork done in pencil.
The author and illustrator about section on the inside dust cover was my favorite:
"Mac Barnett has been to the circus. Marla Frazee has a dog named Toaster."

Reviewed from a library copy.

sparklelys's review

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5.0

There is nothing like a good picture book spread where in the span of two pages you can see a complete change of attitude in a character! Zapfino reminds me of the bunny in the Pixar short Presto -- oh yes, we'll perform, but we have our limits! I love the detail Marla Frazee puts into her pencil illustrations. I would go to that circus, or if I met Zapfino in his new role i would love to hear his stories, old and new.

madhamster's review

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3.0

I'm undecided about this one. I may not have been in the right frame of mind - but it was so close to wordless I lost the plot, literally couldn't follow what was going on.

allmadhere106's review

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3.0

For: readers wanting a book about facing fears.

Possible red flags: characters in peril.

internationalkris's review

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4.0

Beautifully detailed graphite illustrations in this mostly wordless picture book.

msgabbythelibrarian's review

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4.0

Oh fun! Someone who doesn't want to jump off a ladder ten stories up (who would).....so instead flees and goes to be a bellboy at a hotel. =) SO cute!

And of course, the end result is about conquering fear. Lesson for everyone!

sparkdust's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

pib003's review

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5.0

Funny funny funny.

jkribbit's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

lauriehnatiuk's review

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5.0

Lots to love about this almost wordless picture book with lots of layers first off the fantastic name ZAPFINO! It rings all things circus and magical. The Great Zapfino is announced at the circus that he will leap from a ten-story platform onto a teeny tiny trampoline for the crowd's entertainment, but he doesn't. Instead, he flees the circus boards a plane and finds a new life as an elevator operator in a building with you guessed it ten floors. The black and white pencil drawings draw the reader in especially the individual collages of those who use the elevator - lots to enjoy there. Readers have to read to the end to find out if and how Zapfino faces his fears. Another wonderful story mentoring how to elicit a topic by showing and not telling.