Gorilla

Rating:
Summary: Anthony Browne has a special magic
Review: I am a fan of Anthony Browne's illustrations and I am sad that so many of his books are out of print. But Gorilla is a great one to own. The picures repay study, as they are full of wonderful details. The story itself is poignant, with a hopeful ending.

Rating:
Summary: Sad (for adults) heart warming story. Beautiful drawings.
Review: My son (5) and I love this story and so does any kid I read this story to. We love it mostly because of the beautiful drawings (some sad, some funny) which are sensitive and full of little details that enrich the tale. Check out the incredible caged sad monkey (no need of words) or the funny "Super Gorilla" picture. We also like the text that is simple and straightforward on one hand but relies heavily on the pictures for further layers of understanding. Adults can argue about the subject of this story - I personally think it is about human relations (what's important) - but heard other say it is about fear (?) but all this is unimportant - kids and adults alike are drawn to the amazing drawings and can sense the richness of this book. Gorillas are sure to become your favorite animals.

Rating:
Summary: Anthony Browne has a special magic
Review: Popular author/illustrator Anthony Browne has garnered enough accolades to fill many a shelf: the international Hans Christian Andersen Award, the Kurt Moschler Award three times, and the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. We are reminded of how richly deserved these honors are with "Gorilla," a warmly satisfying story of the bond between a young girl and an animal.

Gorillas are the love of Hannah's life and her heart's desire is to see a real one. Regrettably, her father is either too tied up or too weary to take her to the zoo. When Hannah asked him a question, his usual reply was, "Not now. I'm busy. Maybe tomorrow."

But, did you know that surprises can take place on a birthday? Hannah had asked her father for a gorilla and, sure enough, he gave her one but it was only a toy. She tossed it aside and fell fast asleep.

She was awakened in the middle of the night by a smiling gorilla who invited her to go to the zoo. She wasn't at all frightened, and eagerly joined him. That was just the beginning of their nocturnal adventure.

It was a wonderful night that Hannah will never forget, nor will young readers soon forget this happy, imaginative tale.

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This book came to the school that I teach in a sample set from a publisher. It has stayed with me for years. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is better yet. The story is about a young girl who goes to the zoo with her gorilla friend (her father is too busy to take her. Her father finds time for her in the end and her gorilla turns back into a stuffed toy. Many children can relate to what this little girl goes through. The book has so much more to offer than what I can tell you. It is truely beautiful. I will put it next to my Narnia set...I am finally buying a copy for myself. Don't miss out on this gem.