The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
missprint_'s review against another edition
4.0
SUCH cute illustrations and a rather adorable story. Looks can be deceiving.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
3.0
I think many adults will read this and nod their heads. The memories of dodgeball, or some form of it, still a vibrant memory, and the kid who was dodgeball master, of gym class.
I liked the turning of the bully to show we can all have fears.
Loved LeUyen Pham's illustrations. Beautiful, as always!
I liked the turning of the bully to show we can all have fears.
Loved LeUyen Pham's illustrations. Beautiful, as always!
leslie_d's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of those rare bully stories these days where the bully isnât actually a bully. Much of the mistaken identity is attributed to the power of the imaginationâperceiving the big strong kid as a bully and the dodgeball as something that is out to seriously harm you. âbut isnât it though? We had mornings where Natalya felt the same kind of dread, hoping against all odds they would not be playing dodgeball. The book does not downplay the existence of bullies or monsters or even fear, and it doesnât downplay the role of the imagination on a personâs life.
Freckleface Strawberryâs thought the ball would hurt, and had avoided play with Windy Pants Patrick. She also thought she could become a monster, practicing her role at the back while the game was being played. She imagined herself to be strong and fierce and agile. The power of the imagination can work for and against you.
The story has some lovely rhythmic moments. The sentences are as declarative as the expressions on Freckleface Strawberryâs faceâno, her whole body. LeUyen Pham fluidly sketches a distinct personality into the character. There is this beautiful moment where Freckleface Strawberry is curled into herself a bit in dread, and in some memory of a winceâalready anticipating the sting of the ball. She hadnât left the house yet. I donât know if the Monster is in previous books, but I adore its appearance here. Her imagination is projected into a looming shadow of a Monster behind her, echoing her movementsâuntil at last it goes to tip-toe away, anxious, too, about Windy Pants Patrick and the dodgeball. With Mooreâs dramatic tension and Phamâs ability to create dimension we arrive at the moment of truth with the same sentiment to which Freckleface Strawberry comesââOh!â I love learning the lessons alongside the character, and Moore plays off common misperceptions and worry well to deliver a nice turn. Pham artfully brings the inner workings to the page. It is a lovely partnership.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/illustrator-leuyen-pham-pt-2/
Freckleface Strawberryâs thought the ball would hurt, and had avoided play with Windy Pants Patrick. She also thought she could become a monster, practicing her role at the back while the game was being played. She imagined herself to be strong and fierce and agile. The power of the imagination can work for and against you.
The story has some lovely rhythmic moments. The sentences are as declarative as the expressions on Freckleface Strawberryâs faceâno, her whole body. LeUyen Pham fluidly sketches a distinct personality into the character. There is this beautiful moment where Freckleface Strawberry is curled into herself a bit in dread, and in some memory of a winceâalready anticipating the sting of the ball. She hadnât left the house yet. I donât know if the Monster is in previous books, but I adore its appearance here. Her imagination is projected into a looming shadow of a Monster behind her, echoing her movementsâuntil at last it goes to tip-toe away, anxious, too, about Windy Pants Patrick and the dodgeball. With Mooreâs dramatic tension and Phamâs ability to create dimension we arrive at the moment of truth with the same sentiment to which Freckleface Strawberry comesââOh!â I love learning the lessons alongside the character, and Moore plays off common misperceptions and worry well to deliver a nice turn. Pham artfully brings the inner workings to the page. It is a lovely partnership.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/illustrator-leuyen-pham-pt-2/
canada_matt's review
4.0
Freckle face Strawberry is a cute little red-headed girl (are there other kinds?) who enjoys her family, but also is keen to attend the school's Early Bird program before classes. There, Freckleface Strawberry can play with other children and get herself ready for class. However, when it rains, there is not rushing around in the field, but a requirement that everyone congregate in the gymnasium to play... dodgeball. No one enjoys dodgeball, especially when Windy Pants Patrick is around. He tosses the ball too hard and hurts kids with his laser tosses. Freckleface Strawberry has an idea to keep from being a target and hopes Windy Pants Patrick does not bother her. Neo liked to see gingers getting some decent coverage in books and enjoyed the original Freckleface Strawberry book, finding this one just as exciting.
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