mat_tobin's review
5.0
Initially an animated short by the same name and same creator, 'The Kiosk' is the creation of Latvian author and illustrator, Anete Melece. It tells the story of a lady who is quite literally stuck in the workplace. Trapped in by her job, which might seem delightful at first, full of sweets and treats for the mind yet unknowingly, Olga pines for freedom. Soon, she finds herself rudely swept away by a series of incidents (still within the kiosk!) until she rolls into a new, brighter surrounding.
When asked about why the Kiosk owner simply couldn't lose weight in order to escape the kiosk, Mclece's argument is simply, and quite beautifully, 'because that would be very boring and the story is not about being fat; it's about being stuck.' If we cannot even see that metaphor when reading the book then now is the time to stop taking the fictional as literal.
This is beautifully coloured and well-paced with gorgeous little details (I specifically enjoyed spotting the repeating visitors to the Kiosk). The interior of the kiosk itself is richly imagined too and it closes with a wonderful, final spread that sees Olga content with her lot.
When asked about why the Kiosk owner simply couldn't lose weight in order to escape the kiosk, Mclece's argument is simply, and quite beautifully, 'because that would be very boring and the story is not about being fat; it's about being stuck.' If we cannot even see that metaphor when reading the book then now is the time to stop taking the fictional as literal.
This is beautifully coloured and well-paced with gorgeous little details (I specifically enjoyed spotting the repeating visitors to the Kiosk). The interior of the kiosk itself is richly imagined too and it closes with a wonderful, final spread that sees Olga content with her lot.
brice's review against another edition
4.0
Mans bērnības sapnis, kļūt par kioska pārdevēju, atkal ir dzīvs.
bibliopaat's review against another edition
2.0
Täitsa omamoodi lugu kioski müüjast tädi Olgast, kes on oma Kioski täitsa kinni jäänud.
Omamoodi küll, aga mind jättis külmaks (mis ju ka okei, sest ma pole sihtgrupp). Võib-olla on see haletsus Olga vastu... või ebameeldivus tunne või suutmatus teda mõista või liiga tühised seiklused? Kahjuks ei oska öelda.
Omamoodi küll, aga mind jättis külmaks (mis ju ka okei, sest ma pole sihtgrupp). Võib-olla on see haletsus Olga vastu... või ebameeldivus tunne või suutmatus teda mõista või liiga tühised seiklused? Kahjuks ei oska öelda.
kailey_luminouslibro's review
3.0
Olga, a very plump woman, lives in her newspaper kiosk, and dreams of travelling. She finds herself stuck in her kiosk, and unable to leave by the door because of her girth. So she picks up the kiosk structure and walks down the street looking for adventure with her kiosk on her back.
The illustrations are full of bright colors and little details in the setting that make the story come alive. Each character in the story has their own unique look. I like the whimsical art style.
I am concerned about stereotypes and unhealthy messages in this book. Olga lives in squalid conditions in her kiosk where she has an armchair, sink, and toilet squeezed into a small space. I worry about children getting confusing messages about the health of this woman and her extreme weight. She never leaves the kiosk at all. She can't exercise. She has no place to cook a healthy meal. She is literally trapped in her own bad habits. It's so sad, and yet this is portrayed as a funny book. And then I'm supposed to believe that this person is capable of walking through the city streets carrying a building? It doesn't make any sense, and I think it could be harmful for children to read about. This woman needs to see a doctor and take care of herself. It's unfair to portray her as a clownish silly character just because of her weight. She deserves respect and a happy healthy ending.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The illustrations are full of bright colors and little details in the setting that make the story come alive. Each character in the story has their own unique look. I like the whimsical art style.
I am concerned about stereotypes and unhealthy messages in this book. Olga lives in squalid conditions in her kiosk where she has an armchair, sink, and toilet squeezed into a small space. I worry about children getting confusing messages about the health of this woman and her extreme weight. She never leaves the kiosk at all. She can't exercise. She has no place to cook a healthy meal. She is literally trapped in her own bad habits. It's so sad, and yet this is portrayed as a funny book. And then I'm supposed to believe that this person is capable of walking through the city streets carrying a building? It doesn't make any sense, and I think it could be harmful for children to read about. This woman needs to see a doctor and take care of herself. It's unfair to portray her as a clownish silly character just because of her weight. She deserves respect and a happy healthy ending.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
kristinajean's review
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fieereads's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic novel singkat tapi makna nya dalam tentang Olga pemilik Kios K di tengah kota Latvia, menghabiskan seluruh hidup nya di dalam kios nya. Illustrasi cakep sama dengan short movie nya, dan tentu saja mengandung banyak makna tentang esensi hidup olga yg berkubang seluruh hidup nya dengan bad habit nya.
eliasortigosa's review against another edition
5.0
La edición es preciosa, cuidadísima, pero me ha dejado una tristeza enorme. Con lo contento que me había levantado yo hoy.
aqilahreads's review
4.0
olga lives in her kiosk. every day she looks after her customers and dreams of faraway places. until one day, a series of absurd events turns her world upside down and olga finds herself in an unexpected journey.
i will always have a soft spot for publishers like gecko/nobrow press. their illustrations are always SO beautiful and if you are familiar with the type of books that they normally publish, they are always versatile with a passion to inspire, inform and surprise their readers.
as for this book, there were a few concerns about olga’s representation of a plump woman who seems to be stuck in the kiosk all her life and not taking care of herself. however, i think its all about how readers would see it - yes, olga is plump but she accepts the way she is, was happy that she can finally walk around, living in the moment and living her best life while spreading kindness. most importantly, her customers love her for who she is too.
in overall, it is such a fun read and if its concerning, i guess its best for an adult to accompany and read together with their child in order to ensure that positives messages are spread across instead of the negatives.
i will always have a soft spot for publishers like gecko/nobrow press. their illustrations are always SO beautiful and if you are familiar with the type of books that they normally publish, they are always versatile with a passion to inspire, inform and surprise their readers.
as for this book, there were a few concerns about olga’s representation of a plump woman who seems to be stuck in the kiosk all her life and not taking care of herself. however, i think its all about how readers would see it - yes, olga is plump but she accepts the way she is, was happy that she can finally walk around, living in the moment and living her best life while spreading kindness. most importantly, her customers love her for who she is too.
in overall, it is such a fun read and if its concerning, i guess its best for an adult to accompany and read together with their child in order to ensure that positives messages are spread across instead of the negatives.
brambresseleers's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
margali87's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0