| Zig Zag
by Robert San Souce and illustrated by Stefan Czernecki
Made from scraps of material Zig Zag is such a strange looking
doll that the other toys in the doll-maker�s shop squeeze him
off the shelf and into the dustbin. He then has frightening encounters
with an owl, and an encouraging meeting with field mice, before
finding a home with a little girl who loves him because he is
different. This Canadian publication combines the talents of a
prize-winning author, Robert D. San Souci with the skills of a
real toy-maker and illustrator. Intended for three to six year
olds this is a colourful, charming book which is sure to become
a bedtime favourite. - Jack Ousbey, Carousel
Kindergarten-Grade 2�When a dollmaker finishes piecing together
a doll made of cloth scraps, she names him Zigzag. His mouth is
crooked and his fabric mismatched, but the woman is sure that
some child will love him. The other toys taunt Zigzag because
he is so ugly and push him off the shelf into the trash. When
it is put out, he is picked up by an owl that drops him into a
meadow. There he meets some field mice who lead him to the little
girl who loves him and turns his crooked mouth into a smile. Eye-catching
illustrations fabricated from cloth scraps create captivating,
colorful collages set against a bright, white background. While
they are vivid and appealing, they are also a tad confusing. The
same technique is used to render the humans and animals, making
it hard to differentiate the toys from the other characters. This
is not one of San Souci's most engaging offerings but it is nicely
composed, and the happy ending should please young readers. �
From School Library Journal by Be Astengo, Alachua County Library,
Gainesville, FL
This picture book has only an average story, but it has exceptional illustrations. Stefan Czernicki's brilliant
artwork has enhanced over 30 books for children. Zigzag is a book about patchwork dolls, and Czernicki's illustrations
look like brilliant collages cut out of many-coloured fabric. Children can hardly help but be intrigued.
The story is predictable: because Zigzag is different, he is pushed off the shelf by the other dolls. He falls into a wastebasket
and is emptied into the street. Zigzag runs away and is picked up by an owl who drops Zigzag in a meadow when he realizes he's not
good to eat. Zigzag meets a family of fieldmice who take him to their wise Papa Mouse. Papa Mouse suggests Zigzag meet the little
girl who leaves crumbs for his children, and here at last Zigzag finds someone to love him.
Robert D. San Souci has written over 60 picture books and short story collections for young readers. He has won several awards and
created the screen story for the Disney film, Mulan. He lives in California in the San Francisco Bay area.
Youngest readers, those between two and four, will enjoy the story as well as the pictures. Slightly older children, aged four
to six, may find the story a little slight, but the illustrations will hold their attention.
Highly Recommended.
-Helen Norrie is a former teacher-librarian who reviews children's books for the Winnipeg Free Press.
CM, Volume XII Number 2 September 16, 2005
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