Varmints

The writing in this book is so sparse and so simple but so wonderful, there is a certain point where I get chills while reading it. It's a great story about how there is really nothing mankind could do to stop the world from coming full circle in whatever way necessary to complete it's cycle. The illustrations are downright amazing. It's a children's book that's not really for children. I've bought this repeatedly for myself and for friends. It makes a great birthday gift.

The book strikes me as little more than a glorified storyboard for the movie, but that doesn't diminish its beauty or its value as a picture book. The innocent and childlike appearance of the main character seen on the cover makes it seem like a children's book, which it really isn't. A child would probably enjoy the artwork, but the concepts presented might be a little too advanced for the very young. Instead, it seems to work better as a work of art aimed at an older or adult audience. It presents scenes of beauty and innocence nearly annihilated by the crass and mindless expansion of industrialized society, followed by a resurgence of that nearly-lost beauty. The wording is minimal, leaving the artwork to present the real weight of the story. That's why I say it's probably better suited for older minds. I like it, and I think there may be a lot of people who would like it that haven't yet seen this book or the movie. If you enjoy the natural world and maybe sometimes resent the mindlessness of city life, then I'd bet you would enjoy this book.

Got this book after being intrigued with the animated version I bought on iTunes. A nature nourishing rodent keeps the faith (keeps a plant alive) as civilization totally pollutes the earth. There is a "righteous will be swept up" element that personally bothers me, however.

I love reading to my kids, but I don't consider myself a children's book afficianado, and I rarely give them any attention. That said, when I caught "Varmints" out of the corner of my eye at my local bookshop I was immediately captivated, and after only a few pages it was eminently clear that it was among the most beautiful books, children's or otherwise, I have ever come accross. "Varmints" is lovingly, elegantly illustrated in a very adult style that is still eminently approachable for children. Moreover, the story of love of nature, not a demagogic, militant environmentalism, but rather about making space for natural wonder, is reminiscent of "The Lorax" and will touch a chord with anyone who has every stopped to listen to the bees buzz and the wind blow. Jake Mohlman

This book is so creatively done and so unusual that I almost don't know what to say. There are these lovely translucent overlays and complicated images and a sweet, sweet story and beautiful artwork - this is totally amazing. This is exactly what illustrated books are for, surprise and compelling images and overwhelming beauty. What a treat to find this.