Reader’s Annotations: Gaye Chapman's artwork is unquestionably precious in this picture book, but the story is lacking and may leave young readers unsatisfied. The artistic quality of both plot and visual aids is a better fit for older age groups who are able to get something out of an unresolved storyline involving a whimsical dreamer with somewhat creepy carnival friends.
Author: Julie Hunt and Sue Moss
Illustrator: Gaye Chapman
Age: 3 - 5 years
genre/subject: Children's picture book
Plot Summary: Precious Little is a circus-hand who dreams of being a trapeze artist. While practicing, her two friends who operate the "Lucky Dip" let her take a try on the tight rope above the dip. Precious Little falls from the rope and instead of falling to the bottom, somehow flies up to the sky. She returns after the winter buries the circus, yet her friends are still waiting for her.
Evaluation: This book is visually stunning, but that is all. There is no real redemptive qualities, from a storytelling standpoint. For instance, there is no explanation as to how Precious Little does not fall to her death. There is also no explanation as to how she returns. There is no closure to the story. Does she become a trapeze artist with her newfound skill of flying? Does she become some amazing new stunk on the Lucky Dip? It is all just confusing, and to add insult to injury, the text changes orientation on the page. It is not a great book for a group story time, due to upside-down and sideways text.
Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: Multi-medium artiwork. Visually pleasant.
Readalikes:
Awards/Lists: none
Links: none
Hook: Precious Little wanted to fly. It seems she did, but we'll never really know!
Ideas, Uses: I am not a fan of this book, so I wouldn't really advise to use it for a storybook time. I can see some young readers, on the older side of the age spectrum, appreciating the story coupled with the artwork. Those who appreciate carnival-themes may enjoy reading it. For younger audiences, I just really feel that it lacks value.
ISBN: 978-1741751475
Page Count: 32
Format: hardcover
Publisher:
Age: 3 - 5 years
genre/subject: Children's picture book
Plot Summary: Precious Little is a circus-hand who dreams of being a trapeze artist. While practicing, her two friends who operate the "Lucky Dip" let her take a try on the tight rope above the dip. Precious Little falls from the rope and instead of falling to the bottom, somehow flies up to the sky. She returns after the winter buries the circus, yet her friends are still waiting for her.
Evaluation: This book is visually stunning, but that is all. There is no real redemptive qualities, from a storytelling standpoint. For instance, there is no explanation as to how Precious Little does not fall to her death. There is also no explanation as to how she returns. There is no closure to the story. Does she become a trapeze artist with her newfound skill of flying? Does she become some amazing new stunk on the Lucky Dip? It is all just confusing, and to add insult to injury, the text changes orientation on the page. It is not a great book for a group story time, due to upside-down and sideways text.
Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: Multi-medium artiwork. Visually pleasant.
Readalikes:
Awards/Lists: none
Links: none
Hook: Precious Little wanted to fly. It seems she did, but we'll never really know!
Ideas, Uses: I am not a fan of this book, so I wouldn't really advise to use it for a storybook time. I can see some young readers, on the older side of the age spectrum, appreciating the story coupled with the artwork. Those who appreciate carnival-themes may enjoy reading it. For younger audiences, I just really feel that it lacks value.
ISBN: 978-1741751475
Page Count: 32
Format: hardcover
Publisher:
Pub Date:
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