Andy GutmanReseñas

~~~~ 2.75 Stars ~~~~

NetGalley was kind enough to gift my daughter and I with a copy of this book.

I read this with my 7 year old daughter and after finishing, it was agreed that we were probably not the targeted demographic. There are important messages like loving who you are on the inside rather than getting hung up on the outside stuff and the friendships were meaningful and sweet. BUT the rhyme had no rhythm which came off as clunky and distracting. If there was some grammatical and tempo minded tinkering, coupled with the large pictures and cutesy message, this could be a very poignant and cherished preschool gem.

This is a cute enough bedtime story, with actual situations included. The book shows a very tired father trying to put his child to sleep by singing to him/her. He uses the situations to add to the song. The illustrations are sweet and the text is rhyming with a cute cadence. I wish there would be a CD included so you could hear the song as well. This would make a nice gift for a baby shower or to give parents when their babies are born. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.

I really liked the message in this book. It is important that children realize that no matter what you look like, it is who you are inside that matters. Unfortunately, the text was clunky. There was some rhyming, then not. It did not flow well at all. Perhaps if tweaked a bit, it might be better. The illustrations were large and colourful, but a bit amateurish. I am sorry, but I can not recommend this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

From the beginning I thought this was a daddy daughter story. Then parts made me think it was a guy to his girl. The author tries to rhyme, and while most of the story does, it doesn't flow. The cadence is off. That could be the way it’s spaced out on the pages, or just the writing itself. The illustrations don’t help. I like that they are bright and colorful, but ehhhhh. Like mentioned earlier, the illustrations help confuse the reader one who this story is about.

(A copy was provided to read and review.)

Even turned out to be a really warmhearted and also uplifting book about a father and his daughter and the very close bond they share.

The illustrations are done in very bright and bold colours and they fit the story perfectly.
Particularly the picture with the most stunning sunset in the background where they are now both old, it sure is very tranquil and beautiful.

In the morning we see the father leaving for work and his young daughter is feeling sad, that he has to go. But she is reassured by her dad, she is not alone, he will be thinking of her when they are apart and so he does.

We see him in his office or during a meeting and there are always moments when his thoughts return home, thinking of his little girl. And we see the girl at school thinking of her dad. (I started to wonder at this point, if the parents are divorced, as the mother isn't mentioned at all.)
Still, when the two are together the father looks after his daughter and cares for her. The bleeding knee is dealt with like it should, the wound is covered with a plaster and the crying girl receives a cuddle and consoling words.

Author Andy Gutman also carefully thinks a bit further. What if dad grows old and one day is no longer there?

Again, there's reassurance, his protective thoughts will never leave her side, there's no reason to feel afraid or lonely.

The text is written in such a way, this could easily be a song, some lines rhyme, others are repeated at a regular rhythm. I liked it a lot. In fact, we see the daughter play a song her dad has recorded for her on her phone.

The theme of eternal love between parent and child turns Even into a very helpful book for children where the father can't be there every day or if a parent has passed away.

The tender storytelling together with uplifting illustrations in vibrant colours offers a positive outlook and helps a child to feel safe and also to trust, she will be looked after and cared for in an hour of need.

Charlie the Caterpillar by Andy Gutman is a charming story of Charlie, a young caterpillar trying to find himself. He doesn't think he's good enough, though his friends try to convince him otherwise. He hopes his change to a butterfly will make him feel complete. In the end, though, he must do as we all must, and find his own acceptance from within.

This story is full of bright colourful artwork, and simple rhymes sure to catch the imagination of young readers. While great for young children, it may be too simple for those over the age of four or five. Still, great addition to a child's book collection, or as a classroom teaching tool.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Dog Ear Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.