An Anaconda Ate My Homework!

The story in this book is a little thin. This, however, works well for certain age kids, since there is less to read. When I first read it I didn't even notice the kind of weak text, I was so enthralled and in love with the illustrations. The illustrations are really what makes this such an excellent book. Aaron Renier's illustration are so wondrous, each page filled with so many things to look at without being overwhelming. Renier's artwork is filled with many stories itself, but then also illustrate the story by Alice Shertle. The result is a muti-layer book that seems deceptively simple at first, but because of the engaging artwork keeps your attention. I watched a friend read this book to his 4 year old daughter. It was while just listening to it that I realized how the story, the text itself is a little weak, but she sat there quiet and still and looking carefully at each page. I liked the idea that this is the kind of book she can "read" on her own. The full page, full color pages are entertaining on their own. I hope to find more books illustrated by Aaron Renier.

I sure wish Aaron was around when I was a kid, I would have eaten his drawings up. Gorgeously illustrated and colored, with a fun & light story to guide you through the visual treats. Aaron is a master at drawing fully-realized environments with all sorts of details to pore over on reread after reread. Keep your head straight and stack your backpack with Digby's adventures.