Author/Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (June 4, 2019)
- Pages: 32
- Age Range: 3 – 5
- Word Count: approx 559
Synopsis From The Publisher:
Linus and his eraser, Ernie, don’t always see eye to eye. But with the family art show drawing near, these two will have to sharpen their collaboration to make something neither one could do on their own! This ode to art by the illustrator of Spoon and Chopsticks points out the power of sharing the creative process and sticking with it.
My Thoughts:
I have to admit I’m not a fan of anthropomorphism. I hope I’ve used that word correctly. I’m talking about when an animal (though an animal doesn’t bother me) or object behaves and appears like it is a human being. But I was surprised. I liked the story almost immediately. The illustrations were cute and the story caught my attention.
First thoughts aren’t always last thoughts:
But the more I read the more I began to scratch my head and say w-h-a-t? I certainly understood that the complete pencil needed to work together: the writing part and eraser. I got the fact that this was the first time participating in the family art show, so they’re both anxious to produce good work. But . . .
But Ernie ends up being pretty hard on Linus after he sees what Linus has drawn.
What if everyone laughs at us when they see these dreadful drawings?
And the criticism didn’t stop there. Ernie attempts to convince Linus that his straight lines are a curvy mess. So Linus tries even harder but Ernie continues rubbing Linus the wrong way.
You can’t even make a stick figure?!
It doesn’t take long before Ernie’s constant erasing has completly obliterated any artwork that they could have presented for judging. So how can they enter a contest now?
Linus solemnly looks around at the other family members that are doing a wonderful job creating pictures. Brush has a nice picture. Pen also has done some great artwork.
Can One Opinion Make A Difference?
By now Ernie’s opinions have created plenty of doubt in Linus. He’s even wondering if they should just skip the art show. It’s at this point that the book takes a complete dive for me. I never want to spoil the end of any book, be it picture books or adult books, but I will try to share my concerns.
The transformation in thoughts by both Ernie and Linus felt far-fetched. I do understand that especially in picture books solutions must be simplified, but this one didn’t work for me. However, it may with you.
And from the solution on it continued to nosedive. The ending just . . . happened. The end.
What Concerned Me:
The solution and ending weren’t believable or satisfying. I felt the solution needed to be experimented with and happen in a believable way.
What I Liked Best:
I was certainly on board with this story, though it’s been done before, for probably 2/3 of the way through the book. Text and artwork did catch my attention.
I liked these points:
- Believing in Yourself
- Creativity
- Teamwork
Why The Rating?
This is a book that I’m giving 3 Stars. If you haven’t read my rating system yet, here is my definition:
WHATEVER — Some will probably like this book some won’t. Take It Or Leave It / My 3 Star Books
And that’s how I’m leaving it. The book is not bad at all. It is just more or less a you-decide-for-yourself-book.
I hope you enjoy this story.
About The Author:
Scott Magoon has illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including the New York Times bestselling RESCUE & JESSICA: A LIFE-CHANGING FRIENDSHIP by Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes, MISUNDERSTOOD SHARK BY Ame Dyckman, SPOON by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and THE NUTS series by Eric Litwin. He is also the author/illustrator of BREATHE and THE BOY WHO CRIED BIGFOOT. He lives in Massachusetts. Visit him online here.
