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tcbueti 's review for:
The Search for WondLa
by Tony DiTerlizzi
Eva Nine (evidently pronounced "Ehvahnyne") has known nothing but her underground Sanctuary and her robot mother, Muthr, and is champing at the bit for some freedom and adventure. When her home is destroyed by a hunter and she's forced to flee, she's propelled into life and death situations and wonders if all her survival training has prepared her for the reality of life outside.
I admit that after hearing lukewarm reviews from friends I only picked this up because I was intrigued by --and thought I should check out-- the webcam interactivity (which I couldn't get to work). And then it took me quite a while to get into it. But once I did I found lots to recommend it. I liked it's vintage 1930's Art Deco style--the limited color palette and seemingly flat areas of color reminded me of the Book House illustrations (love those) and comic books. I liked the gutsy young heroine and the mix of cool science (Her clothing performs first aid and monitors her well-being, the Omnipod records and analyzes her surroundings, and of course, Muthr) and fantasy--surreal creatures, evil plants. Technology plays various roles here, from annoying hindrance to malfunctioning limitation to lifesaver. (This would be fun to discuss.) Often the real world turns out to be more useful than her educational devices in offering real experiences and learning. Another discussion--how well can we prepare for "real life"? School or experience the best teacher?
DiTerlizzi has written some great action scenes here, and some very memorable situations. The parallels between this book and the Wizard of Oz are unavoidable and intentional: spunky girl, the scarecrow-like Rovender, the evil water flower (poppies, anyone?), and her quest--in this case to find other humans. There turns out to be a direct connection to Oz. There will be a sequel, which will be welcome.
ps It did bother me that some of the illustrations at the chapter heads gave away too much of the upcoming chapter.
I admit that after hearing lukewarm reviews from friends I only picked this up because I was intrigued by --and thought I should check out-- the webcam interactivity (which I couldn't get to work). And then it took me quite a while to get into it. But once I did I found lots to recommend it. I liked it's vintage 1930's Art Deco style--the limited color palette and seemingly flat areas of color reminded me of the Book House illustrations (love those) and comic books. I liked the gutsy young heroine and the mix of cool science (Her clothing performs first aid and monitors her well-being, the Omnipod records and analyzes her surroundings, and of course, Muthr) and fantasy--surreal creatures, evil plants. Technology plays various roles here, from annoying hindrance to malfunctioning limitation to lifesaver. (This would be fun to discuss.) Often the real world turns out to be more useful than her educational devices in offering real experiences and learning. Another discussion--how well can we prepare for "real life"? School or experience the best teacher?
DiTerlizzi has written some great action scenes here, and some very memorable situations. The parallels between this book and the Wizard of Oz are unavoidable and intentional: spunky girl, the scarecrow-like Rovender, the evil water flower (poppies, anyone?), and her quest--in this case to find other humans. There turns out to be a direct connection to Oz. There will be a sequel, which will be welcome.
ps It did bother me that some of the illustrations at the chapter heads gave away too much of the upcoming chapter.