Review Detail

This one was okay. The message was good, but the delivery needs work.

For starters, the writing is way too mature for younger readers. Some of the sentences and word choice were far above picture book status. Now, usually I'm a huge fan of using harder words in books for younger readers, but they have to flow. There were times when some of the words seemed stretched and forced to make the end rhyme pattern work. With that being said, it was hard to hold the attention of my 5 year-old because I think he had a hard time understanding what was being said. (and that's not because he isn't a reader. He's a smart little fella.)

The illustrations were different. I think it was something similar to clay-mation? Hard to say, but there was an unique quality to the pictures. They weren't flat and one dimensional like your typical picture book illustrations. They did have a sort of 3D effect to them because they appeared to be clay. Pretty nifty.

Finally, the most important element of picture books is the story itself. There was a nice message for kids hidden in the lofty words. Chloe has to learn that she can't control everything in life, and in turn needs to stop worrying. Don't we all? When she finally learns that lesson, little Chloe can start to enjoy her childhood.

I probably wouldn't buy this one, but I would check it out from the library or download a Kindle version if it was under $3. Is it worth paying the standard hardback price for picture books? Not really.