Review by Booklist Review
The Australian creator of Ollie and Augustus (2020) offers a comical look at admiration gone too far. Norton--a thin, schnauzerlike dog--likes to dress differently. The dapper pup spends hours selecting just the right sweater, scarf, or beret to make him feel properly unique. When an oversized bear begins copying his couture, Norton is miffed and driven to take his fashion to increasingly ridiculous heights (socks over boots, a stick in his sweater, a flower in his hat) in order to maintain his individuality. Eventually he screams, "Stop copying me!" which works for a while but leaves Norton feeling unexpectedly bad about the situation. Evans' whimsical watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations are a delight. They feature a mix of human and animal characters, all impeccably dressed; of particular note are the shopkeepers, including a mole and an owl attired in tuxedos. Compositions vary from detailed, full-page shop scenes to borderless, multi-paneled spot art to full-page illustrations. The color palette for most spreads is muted (browns, roses, greens), which makes a vibrant blue cape in the final scenes pop off the page. With a message sure to resonate with both trend setters and followers, this story will have wide appeal, especially for those with time to savor the artwork.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Norton the dog prides himself on his unique style, and loves to dress differently than others. One day, Norton purchases a cozy sweater that no one else is wearing. His happiness is cut short when a large bear expresses his love for the sweater and buys an identical one. Affronted, Norton flees and shops for another unique piece for himself, only to be followed by the admiring bear. This continues until Norton declares, "Stop copying me!" to the bear, who is then hurt that his overtures of friendship are rejected. A sweet conclusion reminds readers that there is always room and opportunity for creative expression and individuality. Evans approaches oft-discussed topics of conformity and self-expression with thoughtfulness and care, making this an outstanding choice for classroom and group sharing, complemented superbly by the warm and engaging illustrations. VERDICT Heartwarming and humorous, as well as filled with rewarding discussion opportunities, this is a valuable addition to all collections.--Olivia Gorecke
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