Melvin and the Boy - Hardcover

Castillo, Lauren

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805089292 ISBN 13: 9780805089295

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2011

Synopsis

When a little boy sees a turtle basking in the sun at the park, he thinks he's found the perfect pet. But when they get home, the boy soon discovers that the only time the turtle comes out of his shell is at bath time. Is it possible that the turtle would be happiest back in the pond? After all, it's always bath time there!

Lauren Castillo's beautiful art gives this gentle story about finding the right pet--and, in the end, doing what's right for that pet―a timeless, classic feel.

About this title

About the Author:

Lauren Castillo has illustrated several titles, including the critically acclaimed What Happens on Wednesdays by Emily Jenkins and Buffalo Music by Tracey Fern. This is the first book she has both written and illustrated.

Review:

“Castillo's expressive artwork gently sets the boy in the center of a friendly, bustling cityscape and deftly conveys his longing for an animal friend, the joy at finally achieving that goal, and the ultimate realization that perhaps a wild animal belongs in the park, not leashed or cooped up in an apartment.” ―Horn Book Magazine

“Emotionally true and therefore highly satisfying.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“With pared-down, rhythmic words and mixed-media illustrations filled with spot-on body language and details from an urban child's world, Castillo elevates the familiar theme of a child's unrequited yearning for a pet, adding a welcome twist when the boy, not the parents, is the first to recognize that Melvin belongs in the wild.” ―Booklist

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0805089292
• ISBN 13: 9780805089295
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Castillo Lauren