Du Iz Tak? gets 3.5 Stars {picture book, caldecott honor}

Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis is one of four Caldecott Honor books, aka that means this book was a runner-up to the book with the best illustrations. 

To be honest, I think the illustrations in this book are great and unique in a quirky and fun way. 

I give Du Iz Tak? 3.5 out of 5 stars. Basically, the story is imaginative and fun about bugs, plants, and the seasons.  Ellis wrote a made-up bug language to go with this book.  This book is basically a wordless picture book.  

Parents and teachers could use this book for early literacy development by letting their toddler or preschooler tell the story.  Older 2nd and 3rd grade teachers can use this book as a writing lesson by prompting the students to translate the words and/or write the story.  
   

I gave this book a very average rating.  There isn't anything jarringly wrong with the story, and I did like the pictures.  However, Du Iz Tak? didn't grab me; there was nothing about the story that made me want to buy it or keep it.  It's an okay book with cool illustrations and a quirky story, but that seems to be all.  

Am I off track with your thoughts?  What did you think? According to Goodreads there are a lot of people that absolutely adore the book.  If you are one who loved Du Iz Tak? I'd love to know why.  

Even if I didn't think there was anything amazing about this book; I do think wordless books are fantastic and so very useful for young kids and for writing lessons with older kids (2nd through 4th grade).  Definitely give this quirky one a check out if you haven't yet. 

Happy Wordless/Invented Language Caldecott Honor Picture Book reading! 

Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best For: 2-7 year olds, toddler through 2nd grade
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: Not. It is not one for me.
Read Aloud: Not your typical read aloud, but it could be funny if done right.
Lesson Ideas: Literacy development- have the kids tell the story. Writing- have the kids translate the words, or write their own original text. A book about bugs, nature, seasons, and/or the life of a caterpillar.