I have another book birthday to share today! This one adds to a lovely series by Nicola Killen. I have enjoyed the other books quite a bit and added them to my bookshelf already. So, I was excited to get my hands on the latest edition (especially in time to celebrate the release!) and curious what the author and planned next for this cute character.
Not only do the illustrations always catch my eye, but the character and her desire to 'be' other animals, reminds me of my own siblings, children, and several nieces and nephews...or maybe, this says something about the mental state of my family?
Anyway, off we go to see what happens when Ollie decides to be a tiger!
THE LITTLE TIGER
by Nicola Killen
Paula Wiseman Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
From beloved author-illustrator Nicola Killen comes an adorable story about new friends and birthday surprises, tenderly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely foil and interactive die cut pages.
For Ollie’s birthday, her wish came true! In a brightly wrapped box was her very own tiger suit. Ollie practices her very best Rooooaaarrrr , then a bunch of colorful balloons and a gust of wind carry Ollie to the forest where she makes new animal friends. Elephant, Monkey, Sloth, Rhinoceros, Zebra, and Lion help make the most wonderful birthday party for their new friend.
For Ollie’s birthday, her wish came true! In a brightly wrapped box was her very own tiger suit. Ollie practices her very best Rooooaaarrrr , then a bunch of colorful balloons and a gust of wind carry Ollie to the forest where she makes new animal friends. Elephant, Monkey, Sloth, Rhinoceros, Zebra, and Lion help make the most wonderful birthday party for their new friend.
MY TIDBITS
The magic of imagination flows into a wholesome adventure in a read to snuggle up with and enjoy.
It's Ollie's birthday, and how lucky she is to receive a tiger costume! But she barely has enough time to give her first roar before a giant bunch of colorful balloons floats past her window. Determined to catch them, she runs outside...but little does she know that those balloons will lead to so much more.
I've enjoyed every book in this series, and this one isn't any different. Ollie's love for animals and her joy in pretending to be different ones, won't only connect with those young readers, who enjoy being animals themselves. This book (or the entire series, really) allows imagination to flow with a warming innocence, while still sliding in a bit of fun adventure. Ollie's determination to catch the balloons is easy to understand, and the surprise that awaits her brings a smile to the face. It's hard not to want to jump right into the pages and celebrate right along with Ollie's friends.
The illustrations give the tale a lovely, gentle atmosphere. Killen sticks mostly to grays and whites, which set a calming, dreamy tone. The style also allows the details to gain crispness...and Killen adds all sorts of tiny goodies here and there. Then, the pops of color come in, highlighting certain elements in all the right ways. As if that weren't enough, there are glistening hints added to some scenes, giving the last magical touch.
This makes a good read-aloud for groups as well as individual settings. It invites to dreams, although it isn't really a true bedtime read. The text fits well to the age group and is concise enough to allow the illustrations to share the work. The party scenes came across with a little dizzy-ing activity (as parties tend to) and rings with the wonders of friendship. So, there is quite a bit of goodness in these pages. It slides nicely in with the rest of the series and already has me wondering what might come next.
No comments:
Post a Comment