Customer Reviews

Philipok

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I liked this book quite a bit, but then there are things that leave me wondering as well. It is the story of a little boy who wants to go to school, but his mother says that he is too young. One day, when his mother and father are at work, he notices that his grandmother, who is supposed to be watching him, has fallen asleep. So Philipok goes to school, and it is quite an adventure getting there. He does arrive, and is afraid to go in, because the teacher might be angry, but he is also afraid to go back and face the things which hindered his journey. I think this book portrays that fear well - that fear that comes when one is doing something that they maybe aren't supposed to, but have gone so far that it's just as scary, if not scarier, going back. As for the "moral" of the book, i'm a bit torn. On one hand, I feel that going to school is a noble endeavour, and that it wasn't wrong for Philipok to want to go, but on the other hand, i'm not sure that i totally agree with the way things turned out at the end. Children SHOULD listen to their parents, and they meant him no harm in saying that he wasn't old enough. However, i do think the book was pretty good. The illustrations, while not bright, are very intricate and set the mood well. I love the very Russian setting, and the use of Russian words (with Cyrillic characters) in some of the illustrations. There was the minor glitch, however, when Philipok is spelling his name. This book was translated (this IS Tolstoy) and when Philipok spells his name for the teacher, he spells it "Filipok" - which is closer to the Russian letters, rather than Philipok, which is how it is spelled in the book. I know, it's a minor glitch, but it bugged me a little nonetheless, especially with the emphasis on knowing the alphabet toward the end of the story.

Incredible illustrations & simple emotional story.

Every day Philipok, who lives in Russia with his parents and his big brother. While his brother goes to school, he stays with his Grandmother at home, yearning to go off with the rest of the school-age children.

One day he decides to go, in spite of his family saying he isn't ready. Cramming on his Papa's hat, and getting into his warmest coat (it is snowing & very cold) Philipok sets off.

After a scary journey through unfamiliar territory he arrives at school, and nearly looses his nerve at the last minute.

Keen to learn and eager to please, Philipok convinces the teacher he IS old enough.

The story is gentle and timeless, one to truly do Tolstoy proud, and the illustrations by illustrious artist Gennady Spirin, are warm and moving watercolours. The depth and humanity acheived through the simple rendering and gentle colours makes this book one of the finest childrens books I have seen.
Spirin, born in Moscow himself, brings a wealth of experience and first hand knowledge to these wonderful scenes, and the true rustic quality and perfection in every line is a joy to behold.

Spirin has been awarded many international accolades, 4 gold medals from the Society of Illustrators, and multiple others. He now lives in America with his wife & three sons.

On a personal note, my 3 yr old son loves this book, and it was given to us by his Aunt, as Philipok is the very image of my straight haired blondie. It's a captivating book, and a frequent bedtime favorite.

Kotori ojadis@yahoo.com