Doris by Lo Cole. Boxer Books, 2024, c2023. 9781915801289
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
Genre: Interactive
What did you like about the book? Doris is a shy little elephant who is very red and the only thing on the page when we first meet her. “Stop looking at me,” she says to the reader, and stomps off to the next page, where she hides herself amongst a flock for birds. Since the birds are bright colors of the same tone as her, she is initially hard to find. The narrator invites readers to look for her. There, Doris wonders if she’s an “ele-finch.” She goes on to hide in a field of flowers (is she an “ele-plant“?), then in a pool of fish, where she wonders if she’s an “ele-fish.” Finally Doris finds herself on a page that is completely red, just like she is and she has an identity crisis. Doris realizes that she wants to be seen.
This droll picture book has striking, bold print-like illustrations in wonderful bright reds, blues, pinks and yellows, making Doris really stand out. And she finds out by the end that she doesn’t mind that so much! Youngsters will love predicting when she’ll tell the reader, “Stop looking at me,” and looking for her as she hides. The ending will provoke giggles, as Doris, newly confident, meets someone who’s big and blue, and definitely wants her to stop looking at him!
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? A delightful story time choice for ages 3-6.
Who should buy this book? All collections that serve young children.
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: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: May 14, 2024
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