Children's Book Reviews

Let's Roar!

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Book Review #62

 Norman Didn't Do It!
(Yes, he did.)

Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 2021
ISBN:‎ 978-1368026239
Reading Level: 3 to 5 years

Main Characters: Norman, Mildred, and the other tree.

Plot: Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends until one day the other tree shows up. This upsets Norman. Norman digs up the other tree and takes it far away. This leads Norman to feel guilty and concerned. Eventually, Norman has the character to fix his mistake. Norman realizes that having another tree around is not so bad.   
Settings: Somewhere outside.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, 
Children's Humor, Children’s Friendship, and Children’s Animal Books.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a cute book for kids about being overwhelmed, doing something you regret, and then having the strength of character to fix it. 

Critical Analysis: 
Norman becomes overwhelmed, does something he regrets, and then has the courage to fix it. The humor is on target for the age group and Norman is very likable. 

"...astute and endearing story of displacement anxiety... Higgins knows exactly when to go in for a close-up and focus on Norman's comic sturm und drang. The porcupine is a protagonist that readers should find deeply relatable: reveling in unconditional love, prone to impulsiveness and rumination, and absolutely capable of self-redemption." 

~~ Publishers Weekly

Illustrations: The illustrations are great and kids will see themselves in Norman's reactions.  

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