Elmer Blunt's Open House - Softcover

PreSchool-Grade 2-- As in While the Shepherd Slept (Orchard, 1991), Novak explores the question of what really happens when you're not looking. When Elmer hurries off to work leaving the door ajar, woodland animals enter and make themselves at home. So does a burglar, who's frightened by the animals and flees the scene, dropping his loot. Elmer returns to the disarray, says `` ` . . . I really made a mess this morning!,' '' and tidies up. As he falls asleep appreciating his ``safe, quiet house,'' the creatures, who've been hiding beneath his bed, exit silently through the window. This enjoyable book has several things going for it. Essentially, it's a wordless picture book with occasional captions, which is a useful combination. The story line is developed and understood via sequential illustrations, putting preschool ``readers'' in the driver's seat, making them responsible for finding and paying attention to Novak's charming touches. At the same time, the brief text imposes some structure and invites the participation of adults. The illustrations (in oil pastels) are fairly simple; each picture contains a funny (often slapstick) detail or two targetting preschoolers' interests. It's a book that's sure to add a lot of fun to family reading. --Liza Bliss, formerly at Leominster Public Library, MA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

When Elmer Blunt leaves the front door ajar one morning, his house becomes the setting for all manner of animal havoc. In a starred review, PW praised the "rollicking slapstick" of the tale and the "uproariously funny" panel illustrations. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.