Customer Reviews

The Night Iguana Left Home

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Iguana has a wonderful home and (human)sister but she feels a powerful need to go South. In Florida she has adventures both scary and cool. I thought this was a sharp allegory about growing up and becoming independent. Vivid illustrations are true to the modern tone, and the lesson is really warm-hearted. A good choice for a kid with an independent streak, or one whose independence you'd like to foster.

My grandaughter and I read a lot and Megan McDonald is one of our favorites. "Iguana" is very contemporary and yet charming as are other books by this author. My 4 year old asks for them to be read over and over. Other books By Megan McDonald that we have enjoyed are "Is this a House for Hermit Crab" and "Insects are my Life". Both have a wonderful rhythm to the text. I know that you will enjoy this author.

Although the illustrations are very nicely done, very amusing, the story itself could use some help.

A pet iguana's health suffers as she lacks something in her life - outdoors, sunshine...adventure, perhaps. I found it a bit sad that the iguana was able to leave her friend/owner so easily to go off on an adventure on her own.

The direction this story should have gone was for the owner to figure out that the iguana needed a change of scenery. Then the story could have shown how the owner of the iguana went about getting her pet to a happier place, if even just for a vacation.