Customer Reviews

The Puddle Pail (Picture Puffins)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think this is a great book for kids about imagination and about "doing your own thing". The illustrations are absolutely wonderful - you discover something new everytime you read it.

This is a sweet story about a young boy with an artistic imagination (Ernst the blue crocodile, the hero of a couple of other Elisa Kleven books...) Ernst goes for a walk with his older, more literal-minded brother, Sol, who is into collecting stuff like feathers and rocks and sea shells. Sol encourages Ernst to start a collection, too, but Ernst wants to collect magical things, like clouds or stars. He finally decides to gather up a bunch of puddles, because he can see so many other things inside their reflections -- a puddle can have flowers or clouds houses in it, as well as being all watery and wet. Ernst gathers different "kinds" of puddles together in one pail, and later uses them to stir his watercolors to life, when he wants to paint the things he saw. A lovely, allegorical celebration of artistic vision, creative thinking as well as the fun of doing things you like, even if other people think they're silly. Nice relationship btween the two brothers, too: Sol doesn't really get what Ernst is up to, but he isn't mean about it, and tries to encourage the younger boy to enjoy himself. Also, more of Kleven's delightfully detailed, kaleidoscopically colorful artwork, with plenty of stuff going on in the margins to capture the eyes of readers of all ages. This is one of my favorite Elisa Kleven books... Highly recommended! (Reissued by Tricycle Press in March '07.)

This tender story about Ernst and his brother Sol touches the hearts of everyone. Our favorite birthday gift! It teaches us to respect the uniqueness in each of us. The incredible illustrations capture the imagination of young and old. We love reading this story over and over again.

Ms. Kleven shows her readers the beauty in the world around us, the many things we can enjoy which don't cost money or require collecting objects. Her message is important and her art is fanciful and gorgeous.

The Puddle Pail is for the artist in us all. It teaches us to see through the eyes of Ernst's magical imagination, where everything is brighter and more beautiful than what it appears to be. Ernst is not discouraged by his older brother's lack of understanding and criticism. He believes in his own vision of the world, which in the end his brother is able to share. A great book for chlildren, artists and anyone needing a fresh point of view. Elisa Kleven's illustrations are truly gorgeous and unique.

Another story about Ernst, the young crocodile. It is a simply told heartwarming story showing the "out of box" viewpoint of a child. Wonderful illustrations.

I never would have thought of this concept for writing a book. Such a unique perspective. I bought 5 or 6 to give as gifts this Christmas. This book truly looks at life through a child's eye.

Ernst, the blue crocodile, wants to collect things. His brother Sol, a green crocodile, collects many different kinds of things.

The little blue crocodile thinks and thinks of the different things he can collect and decides that he wants to collect puddles. And he discovers that there are so many different kinds of puddles: shadow puddles, star puddles, cloud puddles, flower puddles and so much more.

Ernst uses his imagination and creativity to collect something that normally couldn't be collected. And along the way, Sol, learns to appreciate his brother's ideas.

The illustrations are busy, bright and provide children the opportunity to peruse the pictures and put names to new things.

Children and adults will enjoy sharing the adventure of Ernst and his collection.

Armchair Interviews says: Elisa Kleven is a children's book author and illustrator of many award-winning multicultural picture books.