Oliver Has Something to Say! Pamela Edwards. Illustrated by Louis Pilon. Montreal, PQ: Lobster Press, 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $18.95. ISBN 978-1-897073-52-0. Preschool-grade 5 / Ages 3-10. Review by Rosemary Hollett. ***½ /4 Reviewed from Advance Reading Copy.

excerpt:

Mom said, "Time to make a wish
and blow out the candles, dear."

Oliver opened his mouth and
Margaret blew them out.
Oliver closed his mouth
and his friend Paul yelled,
"What did you wish for, Ollie?"

Oliver opened his
mouth and Mom said,
"He wished for a train set.
Oliver just LOVES trains.
Close your mouth, dear."

Author Pamela Edwards' debut picture book is sure to be a hit with young and old alike. Edwards has created a funny, upbeat story that will be familiar to many.

     Everyone assumes four-year-old Oliver is shy because, every time he opens his mouth, his chatty parents and bossy sister talk for him. When he starts pre-kindergarten and is asked what he would like to do, at first the words don't come out. But once Oliver realizes that this is his big chance to speak up for himself, nothing can stop him!

      This simple but playful narrative will have readers engaged from beginning to end. Children will laugh-out-loud as they root for Oliver to "find his voice" and assert his independence. Oliver Has Something To Say! is an excellent book to read when discussing self-confidence, speaking up and handling new situations.

      The bright, colorful illustrations are a perfect complement to the storyline. The illustrator, Louis Pilon, relies on animated, cartoon-like characters to carry the humor through to the end of the story.

      This charming, comical story is a "slice of life" presented in such a way as to encourage even the shiest child to speak up. Recommended for home, school and anyone who likes a giggle.

Highly Recommended.

Rosemary Hollett likes to giggle in the library at St. Emile School in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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