Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons: Toon Books Level 1

Like all Toon Books, the first thing you'll notice about Silly Lilly is the beautiful presentation of this exquisite hardback with sumptuous design. Louise (my dear wife) and Molly (aged 9) read this one first and both really enjoyed it. Louise was particularly taken with it and said it really reminded her of the sorts of books she remembers from her childhood. Having read it later myself I have to concur with these two esteemed judges of great books. Silly Lilly is just delightful, simple words and clear art that just entrance readers young and old. The Silly Lilly character is based on Rosenstiehl's "Mimi Cracra" character published for years in her native France and is a masterfully simple tale. Or rather a series of five tales, cycling through the seasons, beginning and ending with spring. Each season takes just five pages including the title page, but that's enough, as the energetic and graceful Lilly dances her way across the pages, playing in the park with Teddy, exploring the beach, tasting apples in the fall, playing in the snow and finally flying on a swing. Each tale focuses on one simple thing,but does so in such a way that a child can find a real bond with this fun little girl. The economy of story-telling is perfect for the age group with each page just two large panels, of clear black line and a subtle watercolour texture on the minimalist backgrounds. The language is as minimal as the backgrounds, never too difficult and with each sentence ending with an exclamation mark, it's a fun, fast read. It's quite the perfect book for an emerging reader and, as discovered by Louise, one that may have as much appeal to an older audience, who'll see a nostalgic look back to the simple picture books of their childhood. Either way, it's quite lovely.

Silly Lilly is a adventurous little girl who skips through the seasons. Hopefully, this book will inspire young readers to explore the outdoors instead of sitting inside with their computers and video games!! I love Lilly's outfits!

Silly Lilly brings you back to the most fulfilling moments in childhood, when playing outside and having a curiosity for all that you encountered would occupy your day. Rosenstiehl captures the beauty of a child's observations and appreciation for the seasons. The illustrations are beautifully textured, as though the original watercolor was on the page right before you.

Lilly really moves across the page! The motion of this little book is incredible. Lilly makes cute and funny observations, and gets even braver and more adventurous as the year (and the book) moves on. There are some great words for a child to learn like "jump" and "dance" while they experience the seasons and fall in love with little Lilly.

Silly Lilly is a wonderfully illustrated comic for young child. The springy little girl makes simple observations about the change in seasons, but the book itself is quite innovative! Young children will understand the passage of time visually AND literally. The book allows children to develop visual literacy- a vital skill for any young reader!