BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

TITLE: Rules of Summer

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Shaun Tan

PUBLISHER: Arthur A. Levine, 2013

SYNOPSIS: 

Never be late for a parade.Never forget the password.Never ruin a perfect plan.It’s all about the rules. But what if the rules feel completely arbitrary? What if your older brother is the only one who gets to make them up all summer long? And what if he’s the only one who can save you when the darkness of winter comes rushing in?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : My first impression of Shaun Tan’s RULES OF SUMMER book cover was this picture book had an almost steam punk feel to it. But stepping inside to explore this author’s world sent me on a spiraling adventure to better understand the relationship between two brothers one fateful summer. The well-crafted illustrations have an avant-garde feel, challenging young readers to see and read beyond the words or pictures. I studied the illustrations long after I’d read the words. My only disappointment was one lengthy scene which eluded my intellectual understanding of what Mr. Tan was trying to convey in his story. Otherwise, a nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill app!eal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *