Puddle Pail ANNOTATION
When his older green brother suggests that he collect things, Ernst, a young blue crocodile, comes up with an unusual choice: puddles.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
When his older green brother suggests that he collect things, Ernst, a young blue crocodile, comes up with an unusual choice: puddles.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Ernst, a gentle blue crocodile with his head in the clouds, gives his imagination a real workout in his second picture book (after Ernst). While his pragmatic older brother, Sol, takes joy in collecting such earthbound trinkets as feathers, stones and seashells, Ernst would much rather try to harness the stars. He settles for collecting puddles, which magically reflect all the beauty around them. When a thirsty dog shows Ernst just how fleeting his puddles are, he discovers a way to capture their splendor for keeps. Watercolors and bits of painted cut paper joyfully join forces in Kleven's (Abuela, see p. 211) rainbow-bright collages. The matter-of-fact text wanders a bit, but the slightly discursive style is ultimately suited to Ernst's dreamy personality. Ernst's artistic triumph serves as an inspiration to young readers. Ages 3-8. (June)
Children's Literature - Trina Heidt
Ernst, a young blue crocodile, and his big green brother, Sol, head outside with their shiny pails after a cleansing rain. Looking for things to put in their pails, the brothers soon find out that they have very different ideas about what to collect. Sol wants tangible things, such as feathers, shells, and rocks, while Ernst dreams of collecting clouds, stars and puddles. Even though Sol tries to explain to him that he cannot collect puddles, Ernst works diligently and is rewarded more than once as his "collection" produces a wonderful new collection. Kleven brings a wonderfully imaginative story to life filling every page with colorful collage illustrations. If promoting imagination is high priority, The Puddle Pail is a must have for parents and teachers alike.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3When Ernst, a young blue crocodile, and his green older brother, Sol, set off for a morning at the beach, it is immediately apparent that their differences are more than skin deep. While Sol expects to fill his pail with shells, rocks, and feathers, Ernst dreamily looks forward to building sand castles. When Sol encourages him to start a collection of his own, Ernst considers a range of possibilities: clouds, stars, cookies. He then discovers a most beautiful puddle, and he's hooked. When Sol returns laden with various treasures, Ernst shows him a pail full of puddles. Unimpressed, Sol poses the obvious question, "What can you do with a puddle?" Ernst promises to think of something and observes his collection as it reflects the evening sky and later the stars. The next morning, he discovers a dog drinking from the pail. There is just enough water left for him to start creating a collection of watercolor paintings. At last, the brothers set off to gather some blackberries for breakfast (a collection they can both agree on!). Kleven once again proves herself to be an outstanding storyteller. Ernst and Sol provide a wonderful model of siblings first learning to live with, and at last appreciating, their differences. Ernst's pleasure in following his own way never wavers in the face of Sol's pragmatism. The collages are almost mesmerizing, incorporating paper and fabric with intense colors to create a lush, imaginary locale. Satisfying in every detail.Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3--As two crocodile brothers walk on the beach, practical Sol searches for shells and seaweed, while fanciful Ernst seeks clouds and puddles. Cotton-candy-colored collages complete this ode to individuality. (June)
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