Customer Reviews

Arlene Sardine

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I have heard it stated that there is a very thin line between genius and insanity. Arlene the Sardine is very close to this line in dealing with the issue of death. Those who are scared of the potential of suicide might be very frightened by this book and would rate it low accordingly. The book, about a young fish who wants to become a sardine deals with death in an exceptionally playful manner... so playful that some could consider it macabre. This is a book one will either love or hate. Though, I was somewhat disturbed by the book... I believe that the book is exceedingly well done, with beautiful illustrations, and a playful narrative. It seemed reminiscent of the fairy tales of old... which were far more dark than today's Disney versions. It is a book definitely worth checkig out from your local library.

Crazy James

Well, I agree with most of the reviews that this book is not appropriate for kids. My daughter (age 3 1/2) constantly asks me to read the book, and her big question is, "Do you think Arlene really wanted to be a sardine? Why?" This book has opened up a can of sardines, so to speak. I have tried to explain that no animal willingly wants to die. I have also tried to explain "thronging" from a scientific standpoint so she can understand the purpose of it. I HATE THE BOOK. But, she loves it. She loves to act out the scenes such as getting caught in a purse net. We have even eaten sardines--brislings, too!

The one redeeming quality of the book is the langauge. The author performs some wordplay that I think is very exceptional for teaching kids syntax. Basically, he rewrites the same sentence with slightly different structures several times. I think it is fabulous for reading aloud and teaching kids to read. I just think the actual theme and plot are romanticized and not something I want to read to my kids.

True story: The first time I read the book to my daughter I read that the "grading" machine was a "grinding" machine. Wouldn't have made any difference the book is so death-centered. After getting the book from the library and being caught by surprise by its inappropriateness, I have realized I should preview anything I read to my kids now.

Arlene could be commentary, but why make it so complicated? This is a great book with brilliant artwork that young children love because things are made very obvious. I reconciles the fact that all the kids' books and cartoons personify small creatures and animals with the fact that we eat those smelly little things. It's a hilarious gift for most adults, unless of course they are the overly-sensitive mom-type. I personally enjoy reading this to children and friends alike.

Sick of sappy stories about teddy bears, bunnies, and tea parties? Arlene Sardine, a favorite story in our household, fills the void. The artwork is gorgeous and the story is realistic and fun. Added plus: your child will understand the word "hermetically"!

My daughter is now two years old and she loves this book. It starts out with a little fish called Arlene that wants to be a sardine - it ends with Arlene accomplishing her life-long goal - and gives some details of the process.

I think it is intended to be light-hearted, and since some reviews have concentrated on the grimmer aspects of the story (namely the heroine of the story dying and being packed in the can, or under some interpretations, turning life forms into commodities) I think I will tell you what my daughter enjoys about this book.

1) Arlene is a little fish that she can follow through the whole book because Arlene has a red circle on her cheek.
2) The fish swim "this way" and "that way". This seems to hold her attention - I think because the pictures are colorful.
3) She has a particular fondness for the word "thronging".
4) She likes to point to the pictures that show the different ways sardines are packed and say - "packed like this!!" She says it again, and again, and again...
5) She likes to pretend she is eating the sardines at the end of the story.
6) She claps when Arlene is finally a sardine.

I am a children's librarian. Chris Raschka is a talented illustrator and artist, as he proved with books like "Yo? Yes!" However, success has made him, like Sendak, think he can do whatever odd thing he feels like, and his publishers seem to concur. As a result, we get this weird, morbid thing that critics may like but which no child will. The art is interesting.

Finally. A children's book that represents an honest view of life. Haven't we all gotten a little sick of everything Disney? What is wrong about telling an adorable tale of a little fish in the foodchain who aspires to be a salted and canned sardine? Nothing, and in fact, it is a 5 star effort! Thumbs up for Chris Raschka's attempt to honor the cycle of life and not try to relate another tired storyline like Charley the Tuna....

Have to say, as a librarian and parent of 2 young children, I found this book to be an absolute joy. I actually laughed so hard I cried the first time I read it to my son. It's absurd, it's challenging, it's brilliant.

While many are offended or upset by this book, I find 'Arlene Sardine' to be a wonderful book. What a great way to approach the rocky topic of death with kids. Picture books have the wonderful ability to take uncomfortable situations and help parents address with them children. Sometimes, they bring to light problems that a child is having that the parent never knew about! Plus, this is just pure fun - the art is hysterical and it is perfect to read aloud.

So, yes, you need to preview before reading this to your young child. But you should be doing that anyway. No one else is going to for you!

And, no, this might not be appropriate for everyone - but give it a try! Raschka is a wonderful artist, and a talented writer.

I laughed out loud. Quite a bit.
The illustrations are great and my 2-year-old is fascinated.
Take it for what it is and don't read too much into it. It's worth a look, if for no other reason than that it's quite unique.