The Underneath is the story of one dog, two kittens, a giant alligator, and a vengeful snake. It’s not a cute book, like I expected a book about kittens to be. Instead, it’s very serious, tackling some big issues like love and forgiveness. It’s a story that matters, one not to be taken lightly.
I can’t say as I really enjoyed the writing style. The author tended to repeat the same phrases over and over, and it often made it feel like the plot wasn’t really going anywhere. However, this writing style is really what creates the atmosphere of the book, drawing you into the bayous of Texas.
This is a good, literary book. I can see plenty of merit in it. The story is well-written and well-told. But I didn’t find it especially gripping, and I honestly don’t think many kids would either. It’s almost as if the author is trying too hard to be profound.
Why would kids enjoy this book? Good question. The kittens are cute and all, but I honestly would have been bored reading this book as a child.
Why would adults enjoy this book? The writing. Appelt’s writing is musical and really paints a picture of the world she is trying to create.
I can’t say as I really enjoyed the writing style. The author tended to repeat the same phrases over and over, and it often made it feel like the plot wasn’t really going anywhere. However, this writing style is really what creates the atmosphere of the book, drawing you into the bayous of Texas.
This is a good, literary book. I can see plenty of merit in it. The story is well-written and well-told. But I didn’t find it especially gripping, and I honestly don’t think many kids would either. It’s almost as if the author is trying too hard to be profound.
Why would kids enjoy this book? Good question. The kittens are cute and all, but I honestly would have been bored reading this book as a child.
Why would adults enjoy this book? The writing. Appelt’s writing is musical and really paints a picture of the world she is trying to create.
Ivan is a gorilla. His best friends are an elephant and a stray dog. People come to visit him and watch him every day. But he’s not in a zoo. Instead, he lives at a mall, where he’s known as the One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback. He draws pictures which are sold in the gift shop. And he tries to forget his former life in the jungles of Africa. When Ruby, a baby elephant arrives at the mall, Ivan decides that, for her sake, he must find a better life for both of them.
Ivan narrates his own story, and that’s what makes this book so powerful. We see the world through his eyes; we see humans through his eyes – the good and the bad. We see the moment when he takes charge of his own future. We see the love he has for his friends. Ivan reminds us of the glimpses of humanity that every animal has.
Why would kids enjoy this book? The characters: Bob the stray dog’s commentary on the happenings in the zoo is always amusing. Ruby is adorable and relatable, elephant though she may be.
Why would adults enjoy this book? Adults will get more out of the treatment of animals message, as well as Ivan’s backstory. There is a lot of wisdom in Ivan’s view of the world and humans that can be found in this book.
Ivan narrates his own story, and that’s what makes this book so powerful. We see the world through his eyes; we see humans through his eyes – the good and the bad. We see the moment when he takes charge of his own future. We see the love he has for his friends. Ivan reminds us of the glimpses of humanity that every animal has.
Why would kids enjoy this book? The characters: Bob the stray dog’s commentary on the happenings in the zoo is always amusing. Ruby is adorable and relatable, elephant though she may be.
Why would adults enjoy this book? Adults will get more out of the treatment of animals message, as well as Ivan’s backstory. There is a lot of wisdom in Ivan’s view of the world and humans that can be found in this book.
The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody Owens, a young boy adopted by the inhabitants of a graveyard. The rest of his family was murdered when he was a baby, and the murderer is still after him. Staying in the graveyard keeps him safe. But once he’s explored and learned all about the graveyard, staying inside is not enough for him anymore. If you liked Gaiman’s Coraline, then you will like this book. The two have much in common – the slightly creepy atmosphere, real characters and unreal characters, heroic deeds that save the day. The Graveyard Book felt a little less focused to me, covering a wide range of Bod’s experiences instead of just telling the main thread of the story. But it turns out that it all comes together in the end, as one would expect from a master of storytelling like Neil Gaiman.
Why would kids enjoy this book? It’s creepy! It takes place in a graveyard, for goodness’ sake. No zombies, but plenty of ghosts to enjoy and get to know.
Why would adults enjoy this book? The atmosphere that Gaiman creates really draws you in, and actually makes this book less scary than it could have been. Being friends with ghosts that lived hundreds of years ago means that there are snippets of history dropped in here and there. And Bod is a wonderful kid, always trying to do right for himself and those around him.
Why would kids enjoy this book? It’s creepy! It takes place in a graveyard, for goodness’ sake. No zombies, but plenty of ghosts to enjoy and get to know.
Why would adults enjoy this book? The atmosphere that Gaiman creates really draws you in, and actually makes this book less scary than it could have been. Being friends with ghosts that lived hundreds of years ago means that there are snippets of history dropped in here and there. And Bod is a wonderful kid, always trying to do right for himself and those around him.
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