Title: Pruett and Soo
Author: Nancy Viau
Illustrator: Jorge Lacera
Publisher: Two Lions, 2022
Ages: 3-6
Format/Genre: fiction
Themes: rules, feelings, friends, monochrome, colorful, identity, aliens, planets, questioning
Opening:
Planet Monochrome was a teeny tiny planet tucked in between Saturn and Jupiter. It blended in nicely with the stars. In fact, no one noticed it at all.
Synopsis:
Pruett is from Planet Monochrome, where everything is black, white, or gray; everyone follows the rules and walks in straight lines; and they never, ever ask or answer questions. But then Soo arrives from Planet Prismatic. She’s bursting with brilliant colors! She zigs and zags all over the place! When she asks Pruett questions, he finds he wants to reply…and his whole world starts to change. (publisher)
Why I like this book:
PRUETT AND SOO is so much fun to read aloud! With its funky palette switch from grays to vibrant colors, it is a story of transformation through questioning and friendship. I love friendship stories and this one among aliens from two very different planets/worlds has so much kid-appeal. Lacera’s depiction of the evolution through the color palette development adds tons to the narrative. Little grey Pruett (don’t you love the names?) is an endearing protagonist and Soo’s encouragement to Pruett that they think outside the Planet Monochrome box of rules is understandable and appealing to all children. This is an energetic and colorful friendship story that I think will inspire lots of great artwork and, I hope, an openness to keep questioning.
Resources/Activities:
I would definitely have children paint their own versions of two planets.
Other books by this author can be found here at nancyviau.com
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.
N.B. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
I love to see stories that encourage kids to question and think outside the box. The illustrations are wonderful. And I want to know the question Pruett wants to ask Soo. Such a lovely choice today. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! I love the art! So striking. And the concept is important, relatable, and presented in an engaging way. Will add this to my TBR pile. Thanks for the heads up, Joanna!
I appreciate you taking the time to post this “BRILLIANT” review! : )
I did not realize there was a teeny tiny planet tucked between Saturn and Jupiter! And what a universal story.