Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Book Review - Chu's Day by Neil Gaiman


Written by:Nail Gaiman
Illustrated by: Adam Rex
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Release Date: 1/8/2013
Reading Level: Ages 4 - 8
Source: Purchased
Buy: IndieBoundamazon | Barnes and Noble 

Synopsis: Chu is a little panda with a big sneeze.

When Chu sneezes, bad things happen.

Will Chu sneeze today?

I bought this, okay I'll be very honest, mostly for me. I adore Neil Gaiman and when I heard he was writing a childrens book, I knew I had to buy it for our family. Much to my surprise, I wasn't the first one to read it. Nope. It was my teen who grabbed it and read it with my second grader. And then not to be outdone, the fourth grader nabbed after they finished it and read it herself.

I watched their frenzy while passing the book around and remembered why picture books are important even when children have outgrown them -- they are quick reads and the illustrations make us think and laugh and share our perspectives on what we think is going on in them.

This book is a perfect reminder of all those moments. And yes, it tells the story of what happens when Chu sneezes and tells it in typical Neil fashion. I encourage you to pick it up whether or not you have young children around. It'll remind you of that moment of childhood wonder when you first opened a  well told, well illustrated book.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~