Stuck
Stuck is the eight picture book from award winning author illustrator, Oliver Jeffers.
Floyd’s kite is stuck in a tree. He throws a shoe up to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws up his other shoe and that gets stuck, along with…a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, and orang-utan and a whale who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Will Floyd ever get his kite back?
I think that, in the spirit of openness and honesty, I need to start this review with a confession. I’ve stated that this copy was provided for review by the publisher but perhaps that is a little misleading. In actual fact I unleashed my fan girl, Jeffers worship in an email to the publisher and begged for a copy! I’m happy to report that Stuck did not disappoint.
I don’t want to give away any more of the plot as I really want you to delight in its first reading. This is a story that is full of unexpected, hilarious twists and turns that really will having you laughing out loud. However, this book loses none of its charm on repeated reading. My daughter Ava and I find ourselves giggling in anticipation of our favourite parts.
Jeffers illustrations appear deceptively simple and childlike and yet with a clever use of colour and a few pencil strokes he is able to portray complex facial expressions and body language, clearly conveying Floyd’s growing frustration. I sit in amazement as my four year old accurately interprets these emotions, distinguishing between Floyd’s optimism and lightness when he has an idea and his irritation when it doesn’t work out according to plan “He’s in a bad mood AGAIN!”
Verdict: Jeffers is safely ensconced on his pedestal. The Pixar of picture books, astounding and delighting children and their parents alike- I would happily buy his work even if I didn’t have the excuse of children to buy it for!
Reviewed by Caroline