Review Detail

I have got to say: We are living in the glory days of picture books. When I look at the offerings at the library of decades past and compare them to what comes out these days, there is no comparison. And The Grudge Keeper is a perfect example of the top-notch material on offer for our generation of readers.

After having just looked up illustrator Eliza Wheeler's web site and portfolio, I received this book with glee. I am in love with her style. And The Grudge Keeper is no exception: every picture is adorable and fits the storyline in imaginative and fun ways. The characters all come alive with their playful dress and quirky names. The story introduces all sorts of new words like "umbage" and "imbroglio" and even "toupee"--this tale bounces and somersaults off of the reader's tongue like some clown's artful circus performance. And the message is truly poignant: forgiveness is so much more enjoyable and beneficial than holding a grudge and keeping a record of the past. The Grudge Keeper is, in my book, quite the keeper.