FICTION

This Book Is Upside Down

by Erin Rose Wage (text) & illus. by Simona Ceccarelli
Phoenix International. Mar. 2020. 32p. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781503752467.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–A giraffe and a penguin are of very different opinions about which of them is actually upside down. Penelope the giraffe observes that everything about the book she is trying to read is upside down. Gus, the penguin, who is also upside down on the opposite page, insists that it is not the book but rather Penelope who is upside down. The debate continues on each spread until the middle spread, at which point both characters are upside down. From there, the book becomes slightly more challenging to follow, but the humor deftly continues until the last page, although the debate of who is actually upside down is never truly resolved. Vibrant, full-bleed digital illustrations humorously depict each of the cartoon-like characters on their respective pages.
VERDICT Young readers will have a riotously good time trying to follow along with these silly characters, and more sophisticated readers will enjoy a few additional nods and winks as well. Recommended.
Reviewed by Jessica Marie, ­Salem Public Library, OR , Mar 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Holiday Gift Guide: Six Inclusive MG Fantasies, a guest post by Marieke Nijkamp
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

Gracie Under the Waves
by Park, Linda Sue
BOOKS

Make My Wish Come True
by Lippincott, Rachael & Alyson Derrick
BOOKS

Big Changes for Plum!
by Phelan, Matt
BOOKS

The Dagger and the Flame
by Doyle, Catherine
BOOKS

Desert Echoes
by Nazemian, Abdi
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?