Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: September 13th, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Google Play | Barnes & Noble
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Blurb modified from goodreads:
A School Library Journal Best of the Best Book
A New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year
A National Book Award Finalist
"A must!" declared School Library Journal of this ALA Notable Book and National Book Award Finalist, now available in a glorious new hardcover edition. Blending fantasy and reality in a big-city setting, three unforgettable and wonderfully illustrated tales recount the adventures of Mitzi and her little brother as they attempt to visit their grandparents, recuperate from colds, and meet the president.
"Thanks to Lore Segal's antic words, and Harriet Pincus's antic pictures, children will find Tell Me a Mitzi a hilarious picnic." — Publishers Weekly
"Author and illustrator have caught the essence of childhood in this captivating picture book. The three stories mix fantasy with reality and are told with naturalness and warmth. The illustrations, so filled with details and surprises they invite repeated scrutiny, have verity and vitality, poignancy and endearing humor." — Booklist
"A remarkable joint tour de force." — The Washington Post Book World
"This is possibly one of the funniest books in print." — The Saturday Review"The fantasy is as real as tomorrow's ice cream cone, the three Mitzi stories more than bull's-eyes ... A triumph." — Kirkus Reviews
I'd never heard of these stories before but the blurb was appealing as was the cover so I thought I'd give them a try. While they are not right for toddlers, the age group I each, they would work for 4 year olds on up till about 7 or 8.
The stories themselves are not particularly enthralling, especially for the adult reading them, but the tales are a little slices of life with whimsy, a touch of fantasy, and a lot of repetition. The stories were a little long, my mind wandered, and I suspect that would be true with some children too. Mitzi was clever, independent, sneaky, and demanding. She and her brother kept their poor mother hopping! Children will relate to her and enjoy her antics, even if the telling of those antics is less than inspiring.
The artwork however was fun, engaging, and full of cheerful color. The style was exaggerated and the pictures busy but the busyness also meant lots of details and there were some humorous touches.
"Tell Me A Mitzi" wasn't wonderful but some children will enjoy it.
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