UP, down, and ALL around with... The Opposite Zoo by Il Sung Na

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're checking out a newish release via Random House Children's Books that features a Picture Book title that's all about OPPOSITES.  Before you start thinking you've already seen enough books on the subject, let me stop you...this is not your ordinary UP, down, LEFT, right sorta story.  It's got style.  It's got class.  It's got...A MONKEY?!  Yep, a monkey...and a whole lot more.  Ready or not, here come today's book of choice...

The Opposite Zoo

by

Il Sung Na

9780553511277

Knopf Books for Young Readers

This is a zoo like none other because when this zoo is CLOSED...some of the doors OPEN.  That's right.  Our guide through this animal filled wonderland after sunset is none other than a crafty little monkey.  He leads us through the SOFT and the prickly.  Warns us of the LOUD and the quiet.  Shows us the difference between HAIRY and bald.  The opposite of this and that, here and there, are all tackled with style and grace as we wander through this colorful creation.

I have to admit, I was in love with the artistic images that graced each and every page.  Every animal was identifiable and yet BIGGER than their real life counterparts.  The colors and swirls of color that put life into each creature work so well together, catching the eye, and letting your imagination take flight.  It's not everyday we see a BLUE hippo, but wouldn't you know it?  I think they just might be even better that shade.  ^-^

Recommended read for children of all ages (and I mean ALL from the tall to the small!).  It's a great introduction to opposites, yes....but it's also another way to see the world with a fun and furry little guide to lead the way.  OH!  Before you go, once you get INSIDE this read, be sure to keep an eye out for your guide in every scene!  He makes an appearance every time, even if it's not front and center.

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About the author...

Originally from Korea, Il Sung Na studied illustration at Kingston University in London and currently lives in the U.S. A Book of Sleep was his first picture book, followed by The Thingamabob; Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit; Hide & Seek; A Book of Babies; and Welcome Home, Bear. To learn more about Il Sung Na and his work, please visit IlSungNa.com

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Special thanks to Cassie at Random House Children's Books for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Knopf Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Storybook Sunday: What's the Opposite? by Oliver Jeffers

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're trying the Storybook insert-weekend-day-starting-with-S-here type post I tried a few months back but haven't been able to stick with.  What can I say?  I read what I read when I read it and review it the same way.  So there...just kidding!  (Sorta...well about the snarky part at least... *ahem*  anyway....)  So today's focus is turned to a surprise mailbox arrival from the folks at Penguin Random House.  It stars a storybook release in a series you may have heard of featuring none other than, The Hueys.  Ring any bells?  Well, it didn't for me either, but I looked into it and found the collection to be rather curious ranging from edutainment to pure fun.  Who knew?  Well, now YOU do and today's featured title falls squarely in the former category, so without further ado, I give you today's book of choice...

The Hueys in... What's the Opposite?

by

Oliver Jeffers

9780399257704

Philomel Books

It's quick.

32 pages with very little words...what else could it be?

It's quirky.

Oh come on.  That should be EASY to spot!  From the illustrations alone, you can see the uniqueness of The Hueys let alone the humor that is displayed through dialogue and imagery throughout.  Personal favorite?  Heavy and light.  Trust me, you can FEEL the burn.  ^-^

It's educational.

Well that's easy enough to spot with the question in the title.  It teaches wee ones about OPPOSITES in an interactive, easy to understand way so that the concept is THAT much easier to process.

It's entertaining.

Aside from the humor already mentioned, there are other situations to dazzle along the way.  There's a cat that gets stuck in a tree that needs to be rescued (yay rescued cat!).  There's the acknowledgment of the beginning and the eventual end.  There's a Huey-meets-Huey scene where hats are on and off.  Trust me, it holds its own in its own way.

In conclusion, I can see this being a great addition to a kiddo classroom or home library with the chance to have an interactive and entertaining learning experience all at once.  Little ones will be dazzled by the simple yet unique illustrations while picking up the lessons at hand.  Older readers will appreciate the way the topic is introduced so that wee ones can grasp it and run.  Combine this one with the other adventures starring The Hueys and I'd say you have a great start on a Huey-rific library!

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Special thanks to the Penguin Random House team for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title released January 12th, 2016 via Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!