Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Review: I Am The Boss Of This Chair by Carolyn Crimi


I AM THE BOSS OF THIS CHAIR
by Carolyn Crimi
Illustrated by Marisa Morea
Sterling Children's Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 and up



When a new kitten joins the family, can a top cat learn to share his chair—and (almost) everything else, too? 
“I, Oswald Minklehoff Honey Bunny III, am the boss of this chair. You may look at it, and you may walk by it, but you may not sit in it. 
Because I am the boss of this chair, and that’s that.”

Oswald Minklehoff Honey Bunny III has always been top cat. Then Pom Pom the kitten comes along and suddenly Oswald isn’t the boss of everything anymore—not the toilet paper, food dish, back door, toy mouse, or even his own special chair. Will Oswald realize that life is more fun when you have a friend—and that, really, there’s plenty of room on the chair to share? A fun picture book with a comforting message for any kid with a new sibling.



MY TIDBITS

Cat lovers and younger kids who suddenly have to share will connect with this cute book and a cat with a slight attitude.

Oswald Minklehoff Honey Bunny III is boss of everything in his home, and he likes it that way. So when a fuzzy, little kitten suddenly appears on the scene and Oswald is forced to share, things get a little dicey.

The cover and title already put a smile on the face of cat lovers. Oswald is a lovely cat. He's not mean, but simply accustom to having everything to himself and the way he likes it. So when another kitty is brought in, it's easy to sympathize with Oswald's position. He's not asked to share—he has no choice. The little kitty, on the other hand, isn't mean either. It's simply in a new home and trying to find its place. Young readers will have no trouble seeing the sides of both cats and the conflict, which is right or wrong, which arises.

The illustrations are bright and bring across the emotions wonderfully. The cats are cute but simple as are the settings around them. It's easy for young listeners to recognize the surroundings and what's happening. The antics and expressions are sure to draw a few giggles.

The text follows the story from Oswald's point of view and makes his feelings and troubles clear, while remaining just right for the intended age group. It makes a wonderful read-aloud but also invites for those who feel somewhat comfortable reading on their own to tackle.

The message in this one is clear and wrapped in a story which brings smiles. It's simply a nice read.



And here they are. . .

The author. . .
Carolyn Crimi has published over a dozen picture books, including Boris and Bella (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Where's My Mummy? (Candlewick), and Henry and The Buccaneer Bunnies (Candlewick). Carolyn won the SCBWI Golden Kite AWard in 2018 for There Might Be Lobsters (Candlewick). She lives in Evanston, IL and is available for interview.
Find out more about Carolyn at carolyncrimi.com


The Illustrator. . .
Marisa Morea is a freelance illustrator based in Madrid Spain.
Visit her at www.marisamorea.com, and follow her on Instagram at @marisamorea


















2 comments:

Batch of Books said...

This book is SO cute. My kids and I have been reading it and my two year old thinks its the best thing ever.

I love the illustrations. They're so bright and colorful!

Tonja Drecker said...

We find the cats so fun and love their reactions. My kids have been reading it again and again and again too.