Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Comprising 18 tales, this sprightly short story collection by Hungarian author Tóth feels intent on stretching minds. "Once upon a time there was a Nothing. In this Nothing there was nothing," the first begins. After listing many things that are missing from the Nothing ("There were even no bedtime stories"), the narrator admits, "I guess there isn't anything left to say." Intriguing titles ("Story of the Little Boy Whose Pajamas Wouldn't Let Him Go to Sleep") lead to provocative questions ("Would you do something in this anything?") and unexpected drama. In the punctuated, oddly exhilarating "Story of the Air and the Ball," for example, a ball bounces up far enough to see "rainbow-tinted roofs, chimneys puffing out plumes of white smoke," before falling to the ground and then again visiting this aerial paradise. Budapest-born graphic designer Nagy lends gravitas to the collection with illustrations in a mix of styles--cartooned, carefully naturalistic, fantastical--in shades of rust, mustard, and asparagus. Levy's translation stays impish throughout this work, which offers opportunities to imagine opinionated erasers and doors that open to unpredictable places. Ages up to 6. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--5--In a set of 18 short stories, brought to life in imaginative illustrations, readers are taken on a journey ranging from the whimsical to the absurd. From the beginning, it's clear that these stories are not typical narratives. Tales live on one page, opposite an Anthony Browne--like piece of surrealism that may or may not have anything to do with the text. These bear titles such as "Story of Nothing," "The Story That Wasn't There," or"Story of the Impossible." Some engage in delightful wordplay, while the "Unfinished Story" invites readers to complete what has been started. Fantastical stories of magical gardens, daddy-nagging goblins, and magic flowers are often followed by open-ended questions, such as "What kind of spell do you think they cast on me?" There is a drawback in the lack of connective tissue between stories; but if the collection lacks cohesion, that may be the point. This book's strength may be in classroom use; this collection could serve as a resource for teachers as a discussion starter or as a basis for a writing prompt. VERDICT Purchase where there is potential for classroom use as a discussion or writing tool. It's provocative, and for some readers, that will be enough.--Louie Lauer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A surreal trip to the unknown, full of possibilities and nothingness. Translated from Hungarian, this unique picture book consisting of short stories challenges young readers to think outside the box and ponder the nature of the world we live in as well as the limitless opportunities of the worlds we don't. Each tale starts off with the time-honored "Once upon a time" and is accompanied by a dreamlike collage illustration. The first half of the collection features existential stories that focus on "nothing," "anything," and "everything," while the second half consists of more straightforward, fablelike narratives that tackle the larger concepts highlighted in the earlier stories. Many (though not all) of the tales ask readers related questions, highlighted in an all-caps bolded font: "What else do you think wasn't in this nothing?" "This is an unfinished story. How would you tell it?" This is a lofty attempt to show young readers the infinite nature of our world; many of the concepts will go over the heads of those most likely to pick this book up. The illustrations waffle between fanciful and bizarre, potentially putting young readers further off. Older readers, who might be able to comprehend the complex subject matter, may be turned off by the format. An ambitious, phantasmagorical work, though unlikely to resonate with its target audience. (Picture book/short stories. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
