Worm holes, knitting, and a grandma that wants to be able to give sweaters to her grandkids basically sums up this unexpected and fun picture book.
Clearly, this Grandma is not getting any time to herself to knit. I know my kids swarm grandma anytime they see her, but this grandma goes to some unexpected places for a little peace and quiet.
Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol gets 4.5 out of 5 stars in my book review of this Caldecott Honor book. A Caldecott an award given for the book with the best illustrations.
Leave Me Alone! has beautiful pictures, and the story is definitely fun and unique. To be honest, I don' think I have ever read a book about knitting that included martians and a wormhole. It's fun and definitely unexpected, with a repetitious phrase, "Leave me alone!" that young kids will enjoy participating in while you read aloud this fun book.
The illustrations in this story truly make this story fantastic. I love the pictures, and Brosgol deserves this high award.
The main reason I have taken off a half a star is b/c the martians and the wormhole is just a little to weird. The book is great for younger ages with the repetitious phrase, but the concept of wormholes is above their heads. Overall, it is a fun book with a concept that is out there.
Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal:
"Brosgol incorporates folktale elements in her amusing story of an old woman in search of a quiet place to knit. Fleeing her too small house overrun with too many energetic grandchildren, she packs her needles and yarn and heads for the mountains. Unfortunately, she can't find an undisturbed spot. Hungry bears, curious mountain goats, and little green moon-men provoke her to shout: "Leave me alone!" Climbing through a wormhole, she discovers a dark and quiet place to complete 30 little sweaters. Then she crawls through a wormhole that leads to her house, where 30 grandchildren rush to meet her. Peasant clothing, wooden houses, and village scenes create a setting reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm or of Fiddler on the Roof. The humorous illustrations depict the determined woman knitting in improbable circumstances as she climbs ever higher. A huge bear looms above her, curious "about what she might taste like." Mountain goats frolic with balls of yarn they consider tasty snacks. Green creatures investigate the woman with handheld scanners while she sits on a chair-shaped moon rock. Brosgol is a master of facial expressions, using eyes, mouth, and forehead lines to indicate the old woman's thoughts and emotions. VERDICT This offbeat tale will please readers who appreciate subtle humor, especially those who crave some time alone. A good choice for collections needing to bolster their supply of humorous titles."
Happy Unexpected Caldecott Honor Picture Book reading!
Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 5-8, Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: If you know a knitter than it's a worthy purchase.
Read Aloud: Fun, random, and unexpected, with a repetitious phrase.
Lesson Ideas: Concept of wormholes.
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