From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 2–The Lostlet, the Strangelet, and the Oddlet are suffering identity crises, walking around in circles, puzzling over their existence. Along comes a boy who is lost himself. The three have apparently never seen a human before and huddle around the youngster as he cries and says he's run so far that he can't find his way back. He misses his home and his mother. 'I want some love,' he sobbed. The creatures have no concept of love. They offer up their prized possessions in hopes of comforting him. Their golden leaf, white pebble, and pink shell make him smile for the first time. When he hugs them, they declare that's what they've been longing for, and they change their names to Huglet, Snuglet, and Foundlet. They frolic and suddenly are home–in time for supper. The last picture shows the boy and the trio sitting around a table at a beach house with Mom in the background. The illustrations are the best part of this book. Benson's large, stylized pictures depict a beach and a forest of spiky blue cactuslike trees. The creatures are whimsical, but do not resemble any known animals. This is a book without an audience. The usual picture-book crowd is not big on existential angst, and the pictures are too childlike for kids old enough for such philosophical thoughts.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Read more About the Author Joyce Dunbar is the author of many books for children, including THE MONSTER WHO ATE DARKNESS, illustrated by Jimmy Liao, and SHOE BABY, illustrated by her daughter, Polly Dunbar. Joyce Dunbar lives in England.Patrick Benson has illustrated dozens of children’s books, including OWL BABIES by Martin Waddell and Herman Melville’s MOBY-DICK, edited by Jan Needle. He lives in England. Read more
W**M
Review from www.firrkids.com
This is an apt title, as this book is definitely filled with odd little characters. Fortunately, they are also sweet and adorable, which makes their oddities that much more endearing. You can tell with one glance at the cover what you are in for - both by title and illustration.There are four main characters: the Lostlet, the Strangelet, the Oddlet and a little boy. The Lostlet aimlessly twirls a golden leaf, not quite sure what he is hoping for. The Strangelet clutches a smooth white pebble, dreaming of the unknown. The Oddlet dances in the wavelets with his pink shell, wishing for ... what? Each feels an empty place in their heart that their special possessions cannot fill.A little boy comes running down the beach, the sight of which shocks the creatures. Never in their lost, strange, odd little worlds have they ever laid eyes on a boy before. And this is one distraught, lost little boy. The little boy knows exactly what he is hoping and wishing for. He wants to be home with his mom, surrounded by her love. The Lostlet, the Strangelet and the Oddlet are mystified by these words. One by one, they offer their treasured possessions to the boy in an effort to make him feel better. In return, the boy shows them love. The Lostlet becomes a Foundlet, the Strangelet is transformed into a Snuglet and the Oddlet is now known as a Huglet.Yep, it's a strange little story with crazy little characters. They aren't recognizable as any animals we might be familiar with, and yet they are still oddly (to borrow a term) cute. The Lostlet has furry stripes and a pointy nose, while the Stranglet sports crazy green fur and what looks to be a broccoli crown atop his head. The Oddlet is blandly colored, but pleasingly plump and soft.This goes to show that love can transform even the oddest and strangest creatures into happy beings. This is a gentle story that children will certainly embrace. The ending puts a great emphasis on how content a loving home can make us all feel.
N**E
Oddly compelling
Intriguing and imaginative to be read aloud story that will charm your young listener. Gentle and sweet with illustrations of equal charm and whimsy . . . A keeper
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