Obstreperous

K-Gr 3--Inside the mind of a child, one can find some of the most marvelous ideas. One day, a boy awakens with a vision of a kite in his head, and he begins working diligently to bring that thought to fruition. After collecting all the necessary materials from around his house, he builds the perfect kite and attaches a long string to carry it. The wind is not initially ready for the boy's kite, but when it is, the boy wastes no time in placing his kite in the sky. Everyone around him has a different opinion of the kite; the boy does all he can to keep his creation afloat where it belongs among the clouds. This unusual picture book is filled with intentionally limited features. Not only are the illustrations primarily made with pen lines and a restricted color palette, but the words are subtle and brief, inspiring readers to think more deeply about their meaning. Because of its design, this book will pair best with readers who are willing to look closely at the story; its intent is not as overt as other literature for this age. Presented in an older style similar to that of The Giving Tree, this title will stand out from other contemporary stories in both its appearance and storytelling style. VERDICT Young readers who enjoy a slower pace and the opportunity to contemplate their stories will find this a unique and welcome departure from most picture books.--Mary R. Lanni