Nuts to You!
- Book Review,
by Lois Ehlert
From Publishers Weekly
A squirrel's increasingly intrepid explorations--around the birdfeeder, up to the window box and into the apartment through a tear in the screen--are the springboard for cut-paper collages as striking as any in Ehlert's considerable portfolio. But instead of employing the stark blocks of color predominant in her previous works, here she adds washes that produce gorgeous variegations in shades on many elements: the squirrel's coat, a gray that is alive with hints of brown, copper and even green; vibrant petunias that seem almost tie-dyed; dandelions whose yellow faces all but burst from the page. Various plants and birds are pictured and labeled along the way, and a glossary of "Squirrel Talk" provides ample information about the creature and its habits. A work of extraordinary visual splendor with an effectively simple, active plot, the book is marred only by the somewhat humdrum verse used to tell the story--in this case an easily forgiven shortcoming. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- A city squirrel peeks out from his tree hole, inviting young listeners and beginning readers to a romp through a world of bold color, texture, and rhyme. This crafty creature digs in window pots overflowing with vivid blossoms and vegetables, does gymnastics to steal seeds from the birds, and begs for a treat at an apartment window. The rascal even sneaks inside for a look around and is quickly lured away by the narrator's offering of "nuts to you." Working with large stylized forms, Ehlert uses collage and watercolor staining techniques to define textures of earthy bark, brick, and fur. Contrasting bright hues of sky, vegetation, and birds add to the visual excitement. The simple, spirited plot, lively verse, and stunning double-page spreads will make Nuts to You! a story-time standard. And since the last four pages include information about a squirrel's body, home, and food, it can also be used in integrated language arts/science units. Another beauty from Ehlert. --Linda Wicher, Highland Park Public Library, ILCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Another handsome book from an innovative graphic designer and Caldecott Honor Medalist. Spritely (if unexceptional) verse describes an inquisitive squirrel venturing from tree to birdfeeder to window box (``He's in the flowers, / he's really bad. / He's digging up bulbs. / My mom is mad!'') and through a torn screen into the narrator's apartment--from which he's lured out again with peanuts on the sidewalk. The main event here is the vibrant, boldly stylized art: the gray squirrel is silhouetted against the building's richly dappled and shadowed red brick, festooned with flowers. Each species--potted fuchsia, sturdy dandelion, house finch, or ladybug--is discretely captioned; additional information on squirrels appears at the end. A delightfully playful touch: the title page and CIP, cropped to little more than an inch, are hidden on the verso of two strips of the squirrel tree's bark. (Picture book. 3-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Book Description
It's summer in the city, and a rascally squirrel is up to all sorts of tricks. But when he sneaks inside an apartment window, he'll need one nutty solution to get back out!
Labels identify plants, birds, and insects on each page, and a glossary at the back of the book offers factual details about squirrels. One of her youngest and most popular titles, Nuts to You! is Lois Ehlert at her high-spirited, breathtaking best.
Card catalog description
A rascally squirrel has an indoor adventure in a city apartment.
About the Author
LOIS EHLERT is the creator of many award-winning picture books about nature, including In My World; Growing Vegetable Soup; Planting a Rainbow; Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf; the bestselling Waiting for Wings; and most recently, Pie in the Sky. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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