Review: The Bramble by Lee Nordling (Author), Bruce Zick (Illustrator)

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

In this beautifully illustrated and mostly wordless book, Cameron isn't small, but he's not exactly big. He's not slow, but he's also not quick. He wants friends, but it never quite seems to work out. And in a game of tag, he's going to end up "it." Or at least that's how things are on this side of the Bramble. On the other side, it's a different story. On the other side of the Bramble, something extraordinary can happen, something that changes everything.

MY TAKE:
It's hard to write a children's book that relies on images instead of text and is able to succeed.

In the Bramble, Cameron is a scrawny boy who has a difficult time making friends. By chance, he finds a world wherein making friends and playing tag is much easier than he ever thought it would be.

The illustration style reminded me of Where the Wild Things Are. It was a little too dark for my taste, but it works well with the story. I felt bad for Cameron during the start of the story. That's why I was so invested in the things that happened to him in the Bramble. It's nice to see him transform from a meek kid to a confident one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Carolrhoda Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of The Bramble is on September 1, 2013.

THE GOOD:

1. The story works well even with very little dialogue.
2. Cameron is likable.
3. The characters in the Bramble aren't exactly cute, but they're nice.

THE BAD:

1. The illustration style might not work for everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

You're it.

READ IT IF:

1. You like the illustration style of Where the Wild Things Are.
2. Your child still prefers picture books.
3. Your child is having a hard time making friends.

RATING:


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