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beths0103's review
4.0
When the author and illustrator fight over what happens in the story, what do you suppose is the result? This wacky, mad-cap picture book, Chloe and the Lion. The book begins innocently enough: with Chloe wanting to ride the carousel and then getting lost in the forest. But as you continue to read, you quickly realize that this story isn't about Chloe at all. Adam and Mac's argument over creative license soon takes over the entire book and Chloe's dilemma gets put on the backburner.
This is one of those books that will benefit kids by rereading it to them. Even my sixth graders, who are more sophisticated readers than the primary crowd this book is written for, asked me to read it to them a second time because they were so confused by some of the things that were happening in the story (the idea of a meta-story is a new concept to them).
Still, once we discussed everything that was going on (the story within a story), kids started to see the humor and got into quoting certain parts of the book (they especially loved the motif of telling the author, "A dragon would be so much cooler").
This would be a great book to talk about the concept of allusion with students because there are instances where Chloe encounters characters and situations from other works of classic literature, and I was surprised at how much my kids knew what they were when I asked them about it.
This is one of those books that will benefit kids by rereading it to them. Even my sixth graders, who are more sophisticated readers than the primary crowd this book is written for, asked me to read it to them a second time because they were so confused by some of the things that were happening in the story (the idea of a meta-story is a new concept to them).
Still, once we discussed everything that was going on (the story within a story), kids started to see the humor and got into quoting certain parts of the book (they especially loved the motif of telling the author, "A dragon would be so much cooler").
This would be a great book to talk about the concept of allusion with students because there are instances where Chloe encounters characters and situations from other works of classic literature, and I was surprised at how much my kids knew what they were when I asked them about it.
sasha_in_a_box's review
5.0
This is one of the best children's books out there. Also, did you know that he studied under the DFW?? And he has the best ideas about creating challenging children's literature. He's my spirit animal, as the kids say.
danicamidlil's review
4.0
Too funny! I love all the explanations about an author versus the illustrator! The interruptions of both into the story are great fun! (Especially loved the reference to Frankenstein!)
shawnareads24's review
5.0
Chloe, who gets lost in the forest on the way home from the park,seems to be the main character in this story. Then the author and illustrator pop in, to make this picture book fun for young readers, but possibly more fun for the adults reading the book to the young readers! It is a very clever book and has a great book trailer to go with it!
mjfmjfmjf's review
3.0
Okay. So this book is clever and cute. And it breaks the fourth wall. But it goes too far. And it is not nearly as clever and as cute to make up for the awfulness of the writer as a character in this book. And it even gets a bit tedious. And sure there is a twist at the end, but not enough of a twist. 2.5 of 5.
daisycakesco's review
4.0
How very meta - a book about the relationship between author and illustrator making a book. Definitely a one-on-one sharing book, and for K - 3 kids. And holy cow do Mac Barnett and Adam Rex look good in plasticine!
yapha's review
4.0
Mac Barnett has a wacky imagination, and his books never disappoint! In this one, the overbearing author tries to take control of the book away from the illustrator with disastrous results. A fun and entertaining read. Would make a great introduction to a story writing unit for students.
wildeaboutbooks's review
5.0
I loved this book! It was clever, unique, unpredictable and entertaining all around.
stenaros's review
4.0
Funny! This was recommended by my friend Sara and I got it from the library even though it was a picture book and I don't usually spend time reading them. I read it and spent ten minutes laughing out loud alone in the house. Laughing out loud while reading by myself is always an odd pleasure for me. There's the laughter, which is great, but then the kind of creepy feeling that I might be a little crazy. After I enjoyed it, I insisted that Matt read it. Now I'm insisting that you do too. It will take 10 minutes. Laughter is good for you. Maybe you can read it aloud to someone so you can both laugh together and avoid the creepy feeling. Just do it.