What’s So Special About Dickens? – Michael Rosen, illustrated by Sarah Nayler, Candlewick Press (9780763699925), 2005, 2018
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1- 5 (5 is excellent or a Starred review) 4
What did you like about the book? This is an informative introduction to Charles Dickens’, his life, his works and his times. Readers are given biographical information on the author, a look at the world he lived in, and an in-depth look at four of his novels: A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and Great Expectations. Readers get an idea of how Dickens changed the publishing world with his serial chapters; how he popularized the Christmas we celebrate today; how his books and characters reflected the London of his day. The book includes an index, selected bibliography and a “Time Line” that looks year by year at Dickens’ life, works, and world events. The pen and ink illustrations add some humor to the text. This is a good choice for school reports.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a good choice for school reports on Dickens and his times.
Who should buy this book? Public Libraries and elementary school libraries
Where would you shelve it? Non-fiction (823)
Should we (librarians/readers) put this at the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA
Date of review: 4/12/18
Youth Services Book Review 
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