Big Star Otto. (Elephants Never Forget; 3). Bill Slavin & Esperança Melo. Art by Bill Slavin. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2015. 95 pp., pbk. & hc., $7.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-894786-97-3 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-894786-96-6 (hc.). Subject Heading: Graphic novels. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Natalie Schembri. *** /4

excerpt:

THE APE KING? YOU’VE FOUND GEORGIE??!!

SHH! SHH! Yes, but there’s a problem. He’s changed…

Oh not Georgie. He’s too cute.

Yeah, well, he’s not so cute now. He just ignored me! Blew me off!

But he wouldn’t do that to you. Not his best childhood pal! Maybe if we could get the two of you together…

In Big Star Otto, the third installment of the “Elephants Never Forget” series, Otto has arrived in Hollywood, CA, not for fame, but in search of Georgie, the chimp,. Otto has made the lengthy journey from Africa to North America for the purpose of reuniting with his long-lost friend. In fact, talent agent Rupert Galloway has assured Otto that they will find Georgie! Alongside his comical sidekick, Crackers the parrot, the two friends are devoted to locating their pal Georgie. However, the mission is certainly not easy. Where could Georgie be? Is talent agent Rupert Galloway leading Otto astray? How will the two friends go about finding Georgie?

     As they begin their search for Georgie, Otto also begins working for Rupert Galloway’s talent agency doing television commercials. He is spotted by a rival talent agency, Furry Paws, who then plot to kidnap our elephant friend. What will happen to Otto? Will he be reunited with Georgie in the end? Will Georgie be a changed chimp from his celebrity status in Hollywood? Will their friendship continue from where it left off?

     Bill Slavin’s pen and ink, computer-coloured, cartoon-style illustrations present an engaging narrative full of slapstick humour.

     Big Star Otto is a humorous and endearing narrative of perseverance and friendship. This book can also lead to classroom discussion on the treatment of animals.

     I would recommend this third book of the “Elephants Never Forget” series for school and public library graphic novel collections. The story can easily be read without previous exposure to the series, but it is best read following the first two Otto graphic novels, Big City Otto and Big Top Otto.

Recommended.

Natalie Schembri is a librarian in Vancouver, BC.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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