Customer Reviews

Probuditi!

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I use Chris Van Allsburg books in my classroom all the time, but I think this may be my favorite! A wonderful story about treating others kindly, and revenge of a sibling who is often tricked. I love it!

I borrowed this book from our local library knowing nothing about the book but enjoying previous works by the author. The cover was a little 'strange' but, upon reading the story of this young boy and his friend who are mesmerized by a hypnotist who turns a woman in to a chicken, it made sense.

Someone has posted concern about the image of the sister, who has been turned into a dog, is on all fours drinking out of a bowl. I didn't see it as a racial stereotype. Nor did I look at this book as some sort of racial issue - especially at the end when we get 'the pay-off' and realize that, while she might be younger, Trudy is very one smart cookie!

Our household is multi-racial. Add to that the fact that I am trying to raise a strong daughter. I found nothing offensive in this story. But, perhaps we do things differently in our household. We don't talk about people in terms of color in our house. We talk about people in terms of character. Who is good? Who is bad? Who doesn't pay attention to their parents? What reason would be good enough to not listen to the teacher? Things like that. When I read to my daughter, I also ask her open ended questions to start a dialogue. She enjoyed the story very much and so did I.

This book is awesome. It's great as a read aloud and kids really get into the story. It's truly for a wide range of ages 4 and up (my 8 yr old loves this one). It's a cool book for boys and girls and I really enjoy it. If you love children's literature-you've got to add this one to your collection.

This is an excellent book for all ages. The story is funny and leaves room for imagination!

Chris Van Allsburgh's PROBUDITI! tells of two enterprising boys who decide to make their own hypnotizing machine after they go see a hypnotist on stage. Problem is, they are too successful, and turn Calvin's little sister into a zombie. How can they return her to normal, and what will their mother say when she sees her daughter acting like a dog? A vivid, funny tale.

This is a great book for children. The pictures are so well done. Parents can enjoy the book as well by remembering their childhood. Children are able to go on a little adventure. All around this is a great book to add to your family collection.

From the Coldecott Medal-winning author of such beloved storybooks as JUMANJI and THE POLAR EXPRESS comes another whimsical story in the form of PROBUDITI! With beautiful illustrations and a premise that any child will love, this is another storybook that's sure to please.

When Calvin receives two tickets to see Lomax the Magnificent, a famous magician and hypnotist, for his birthday, he knows just who he'll take with him--and it's not Trudy, his little sister.

With his best friend, Rodney, Calvin watches Lomax perform some amazing magic, most memorable of which was hypnotizing a woman in the audience and having her believe she was a chicken. When the boys return home, they decide they'll make a contraption to hypnotize someone--and who better to experiment on than Trudy?

But when Trudy really starts acting like she's a dog and the boys can't snap her out of it, Calvin starts to worry. And when things don't go as planned and he misses out on his special birthday dinner, the giggles he got from seeing his sister bark and walk around on all fours turns into anger. Especially when he finds out that hypnotism might not have been behind Trudy's dog act, after all.

My kids loved this story. My son thought that hypnotizing his little sister sounded like a great idea; my daughter felt that her big brother missing out on his birthday cake was great payback.

Mr. Van Allsburg has written and illustrated another wonderful storybook that kids of all ages are sure to enjoy. Kudos!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

I don't know what I liked best about this book--the subtle, clever, ironic twist, the nostalgic feeling to a decade long ago, Van Allsburg's amazing artistry... heck, it's all wonderful.

This is about a couple of boys who attempt to hypnotize a little girl--you know, to be bratty, stinky boys. Unfortunately, it plays out in less than their best interest.

It's hysterical and a wonderful example of revenge.

I absolutely love this story. Many of Chris Van Allsburg's books are magical but the realistic nature of this story makes it much more magical to me. Calvin and Trudy's relationship is portrayed very true to the complicated but loving dynamics of siblings and is one in which readers will most certainly relate to. The 1940s setting is a nice touch because it represents the perfect childhood neighborhood and again readers will be able to make connections to their own childhood shenanigans. This story could be used in the classroom for a variety of things, but I would focus on the development of the relationships between characters.

Wonderful book with beautiful illustrations. Be sure to read it all the way through so you don't miss the twist at the end!!