– Are You Ready For Some Giggles? –
- Author: Laura Gehl
- Illustrator: Christopher Weyant
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (January 16, 2018)
- Genre: Picture Book
- Hardcover: 40 pages
- Word Count: Approx 167
You may have noticed that my last review was also a book by Laura Gehl. I Got A Chicken For My Birthday and My Pillow Keeps Moving are two of my favorite books by Gehl. I wanted to post those before reviewing her newest book tomorrow. Teachers and parents of kids who love space, watch for my review of Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer tomorrow.
My Thoughts:
The first spread in the book shows a cat and dog shivering outside a store called The Pillow Place. The signs in the window guarantee that their sale pillows are soft and fluffy. While the cat seems unsure about entering the warm store, the dog slips through the door and curls up on top of a large pile of pillows.
© Penguin Random House
Example of fun illustrations done by artist Christopher Weyant
A man points to the top of the pile of pillows to the “dog” pillow. The dear little man is wearing glasses, but we can absolutely assume he needs stronger lenses.
The cat continues to watch from outside as the man in a yellow coat,
green bow tie and glasses walks from the store with a bag.
Surprise! The dog’s head is sticking out of the sack. Of course, the poor man’s “dog” pillow isn’t exactly what he hoped it would be so the next day he tries to return the pillow.
“I bought a pillow here and I think it is broken.”
But the salesman determines that the pillow is soft and fluffy so that it isn’t broken. He then proceeds to give the customer a large sticker that says, “I’m A Happy Pillow Place Customer.”
The book is full of fun repetition as the sweet little man then tries to purchase a footstool and a jacket. With each purchase, the dog poses as part of the item. It’s only at the last that the spectacled man realizes the truth and names his new friend Jackie.
But whatever happened to the cat that was shivering outside the pillow store in the first spread? You will find that answer at the end of the book.
What Concerned Me:
Absolutely nothing.
What I Liked Most:
Little ones will love the fact that the man is being fooled and that they know what’s going on. It’s a silly, fun book that has no other purpose than to entertain and make you smile. Oh, and it does provide a warm, fuzzy feeling at the end.
The illustrations are colorful and full of details that will entertain and please both kids and adults.
Teaching Helps:
About The Author:
Laura Gehl is senior editor of the award-winning educational periodical Science Weekly. Laura’s best ideas come from her four young children. Her previous books include And Then Another Sheep Turned Up and Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland
