I Got You a Present! by Mike Erskine-Kellie & Susan McLennan, illustrated by Cale Atkinson. Kids Can Press, 9781525300097, 2020
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? Duck wants to get his friend the most perfect birthday gift ever. From hand-knitted socks to a ten-scoop ice cream cone, duck keeps falling short for a variety of reasons beyond his control. As we follow along with duck’s ill-fated efforts, we commiserate and find ourselves charmed by his dedication. The humor and the creativity of the gifts he attempts are fun and imaginative. Finally, duck realizes that he has nothing to give, but wait – he does! The story itself is the gift because it has all of the things that his friend loves, and he can continue to go back and read it time and again! Atkinson’s illustrations drive the story forward and complement the text. They are vibrant, colorful and reveal new and humorous details on each two-page spread.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a fun story that would be a perfect birthday gift for a youngster!
Who should buy this book? Public and elementary libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Northboro, MA
Date of review: 3/25/2020
