Louis – Perfect Picture Book Friday

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Title: Louis

Author: Tom Lichtenheld

 Illustrator: Julie Rowan-Zoch

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, Oct. 2020

Ages: 3-5

32 pages. 

Genre: fiction

Themes: grumpiness, gratitude, love, teddy bear

Opening:

From Day One…

things have gone downhill.

Synopsis:
Louis the bear has had enough. From day one, life has been one indignity after another. If he’s not being used as a hankie, he’s being hung out to dry—literally. (No one likes clothespins used on their ears!) This teddy is sneaking away just as soon as he can. Then again, no use running off in the rain . . .or during a show-and-tell routine. Maybe Louis has something to lose, after all. (publisher)

Why I like this book:

I don’t know about kids, but I can so relate to Louis’ disgruntledness. Don’t we all have days and weeks where it feels like we are being taken a wee bit for granted, overlooked, loved too hard? Those moments when we decided we’re just going to quit, even though deep down we know how good we have it.

This is a funny, adorable, suspenseful ode to the love of a teddy for their person and a person for their teddy and all the wild tumultuous emotions that come into such love stories. The humor is the “get it?” and “wink wink” variety and will demand giggle and ahs. And the illustrations are bold and heartwarming, as Julie manages to portray a bear that is grumpy and utterly lovable at the same time.

I think small children will grab their bears and ask for rereads on this one as text and pictures so authentically allude to the bond between a bear and their child.

Resources/Activities:

Ask children what their stuffy might be grumpy about.

Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

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6 Responses to Louis – Perfect Picture Book Friday

  1. I enjoyed your comments about LOUIS. Tom and Julie have written an endearing book that will make kids hugs their bears a little tighter. Love the illustration on the back — it is priceless! Have a grandson and nephew who’d love this book!

  2. Jilanne Hoffmann says:

    The facial expression of that bear on the back makes me grin every time I see it. This one’s on my TBR list. Looking forward to getting a closer look!

  3. Thank you, Joanna! A book-hug from a friend is priceless! Mwah!

  4. I love this book! Great review Joanna!

  5. Patricia Nozell says:

    I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. Lovies are the best, And Louis seems to be a remarkable one.

  6. Grumpy teddy bears? OK! I am definitely looking for this one!

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