** This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.**
Title: Flora & Ulysses
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Published By: Candlewick Press (2013)
Synopsis:
It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is the just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry—and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart. (Taken from Goodreads.)
Review:
This book was hilarious! I was laughing every other page. From the hysterical dialogue and events, the hysterical characters, this book was very, very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed every word of it.
The characters were hilarious, as I’ve said, and written very well. Rather than act realistically, these characters lean towards behavior and dialogue you might find in a younger children’s book—which fit right in with the plotline.
( Page 22: “Tootie?” shouted Mr. Tickham from the back door. “Tootie, I’m hungry!”
Tootie?
What a ridiculous name.
Flora couldn’t resist the urge to say it out loud. “Tootie,” she said. “Tootie Tickham. Listen, Tootie. Go inside. Feed your husband. Say nothing to him or anyone else about any of this.”
“Right,” said Tootie. “Say nothing. Feed my husband. Okay, right.” She began walking slowly towards the house.)
Additionally, I loved Flora’s exclamations: “Holy bagumba!” “Holy unanticipated occurances!”
Yet, despite their fantasy-like behavior, the true emotions of the characters surge forward, and the result is a combination and a character you’ll never forget.
Negative Content/Notes:
None.
Overall:
I found this a great read, full of interesting characters, a superhero squirrel, LOTS of illustrations and a super-fun storyline. I will definitely be rereading this soon and would recommend to anyone looking for a quick, fun read!
Rating: 4.5
Recommended to: Anyone and everyone!