FICTION

Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader

by Jolene Gutiérrez (text) & illus. by Heather Bell
Clear Fork. Aug. 2020. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781950169252.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–After observing the class guinea pigs snuggling, Oliver decides to move closer to the other kids in his classroom. Although he is simply trying to make friends, Oliver learns a tough lesson about personal space.His compassionate teacher, Ms. López, explains to him that he should ask first before entering someone else’s personal space. The book has some pleasing compositions, such as the framing of text inside a hula hoop. But it also has some confounding ones. For example, when one child yells about his personal space, the hand-drawn font is radically different than any other text in the story, and which is out of place with the rest of the pastel palette.
VERDICT The lesson about personal space is valuable, but the text lacks charm and the book’s artwork detracts from the message. And although the book is named after two guinea pigs, they barely feature in the tale.
Reviewed by Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA , Jun 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness
by McCullogh, Joy
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?