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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
A mostly straightforward story containing wonderful illustrations, broad humor and a trippy ending that leaves everything that happened up for interpretation.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Klassen can convey so much character from such (deceptively) simple illustrations.
Brilliant.
Brilliant.
So much fun to share. Students came up to me in great excitement, to point out the differences between the beginning and ending of the story. It's like a visual riddle!
This book would have earned another star if only the hidden "something spectacular"s had been more diverse (pirate's chest, a dinosaur fossil, etc) instead of a giant gem over and over.
That said its hard not to like a book where the dog looks directly at the reader like he's on The Office when his owners just can't catch a clue.
That ending though...
That said its hard not to like a book where the dog looks directly at the reader like he's on The Office when his owners just can't catch a clue.
That ending though...
This is a Black Mirror episode for kids, and I love it.
It's truly incredible how loud the silent illustrations by Klassen are in this book. It captures the humor of the story beautifully with subtle details (my personal favorite being the dog companion) and also expresses a beautiful message through the dramatic irony: that some of the most ordinary things in life are simply spectacular.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole sees a second and, eventually, long-standing collaboration between Barnett and Klassen (after ‘Extra Yarn’). There is something so perfect in how Klassen’s earthy, digital illustrations compliment Barnett’s deadpan humour.
This story sees two brothers seek their fortune by digging for buried treasure (which child isn’t going to see appeal in this)? As the boys dig, they suffer continued streaks of bad luck and, in failing to pay attention to their faithful canine companion who has a nose for finding fortune, continue digging until they reach…the other side.
The humour here then is in the reader having command of a narrative that the characters do not. Cross-sections of the brothers digging reveals to the young reader how constantly close they are to unearthing their fortune only to change route at the very last minute – both my boys berated the boys on each page for changing direction!
Once again, Klassen and Barnett, both masters of subtle narrative present a deceptively simple story fuelled by an anarchic, postmodern narrative. From the knowing glance between the dog and cat at the end to the little nuggets of humour for the keen observer, they both manage to weave into this picturebook a sense of childhood that readers will delight in whilst subtly sowing in a thread of irony that the adult reader will enjoy too.
This story sees two brothers seek their fortune by digging for buried treasure (which child isn’t going to see appeal in this)? As the boys dig, they suffer continued streaks of bad luck and, in failing to pay attention to their faithful canine companion who has a nose for finding fortune, continue digging until they reach…the other side.
The humour here then is in the reader having command of a narrative that the characters do not. Cross-sections of the brothers digging reveals to the young reader how constantly close they are to unearthing their fortune only to change route at the very last minute – both my boys berated the boys on each page for changing direction!
Once again, Klassen and Barnett, both masters of subtle narrative present a deceptively simple story fuelled by an anarchic, postmodern narrative. From the knowing glance between the dog and cat at the end to the little nuggets of humour for the keen observer, they both manage to weave into this picturebook a sense of childhood that readers will delight in whilst subtly sowing in a thread of irony that the adult reader will enjoy too.
Pretty much guaranteed to love any book Jon Klassen is involved with. Amazing!
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated