Reviews

Isle of You by David Larochelle

jocarter's review

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2.0

Dreamy, but a bit boring.

libraryrobin's review

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2.0

Nothing wrong with the story, just too bland and cutesy and predictable for me.

barbarianlibarian's review

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3.0

I'm creeped out by the elephant character but overall it's decent

tracybabler's review

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3.0

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

What do we tell kids to do when they're sad, lonely, angry? This book invites kids to visit their imagination, cleverly reimagined as the ISLE OF YOU. Drift off to a land where anything goes.

The story is whimsical and affirming--it's OK to be sad, but here are some strategies to help you feel better. I love the color palette chosen by the illustrator. It's very calming and perfect for this story.

wordnerd153's review

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4.0

You may want Kleenex handy when you get to the end of this sweet story meant to comfort children when they're feeling blue and remind them that there are people in their lives who love them very much. The book opens with a young girl sitting on her bed in a darkened room and the question "Was today a hard day?" The girl is then invited to shake every last worry off of herself and board a boat that will take her to the Isle of You where happiness awaits. She makes wishes on starfish, dozes in a hammock surrounded by woodland creatures, enjoys her favorite dessert, and so much more. Readers of all ages will relate to this story and appreciate the reminder to take care of themselves and seek out that which makes them happy.

alicebennett's review

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5.0

This book really made me feel something. It's reads like a calming lullaby that will teach children what to do when their bad thoughts get too much. It promotes finding the things that make you happy and taking time out for yourself to think things through. The soothing pastel scheme adds to the dream-like storytelling and the use of the second person makes you feel as though the book is directly addressing you: "dancing bears on roller skates (…) They've been practising for weeks, just for you".

Reading this book is like receiving a comforting hug from "someone who loves you very much" and lots of children would find this a wonderful read in these difficult times.
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