a_manning11's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great story that reminds us that even if our lives are dull and hard, a paradise of leisure and bliss will always have a downside, and is not the perfect solution. Al is a very likeable character. The colorful birds are wonderful to look at.
Illustrated by Richard Egielski.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1987.
Illustrated by Richard Egielski.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1987.
clevergirl216's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
I didn’t really get into this story. I would have much preferred for the janitor to either find a way to be happy with his life or find a way to improve his circumstances.
wolfdreamer's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting modern semi-retelling of Icarus kind of. Cool art and good setup. But lame and abrupt ending.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
Al and his dog learn there's a price to pay when they become residents in a paradise.
Gorgeous illustrations. The story has a bit of a Chris Van Allsburg feel.
Gorgeous illustrations. The story has a bit of a Chris Van Allsburg feel.
homingpigeon's review against another edition
2.0
What is with the message of this book?
Is the story a warning of the dangers of drug use, with the island being a metaphor for some kind of opium den and the birds being addicts? Is the tropical island a metaphor for college or university life, with the birds being elitists and Al running back to unskilled labor because he catches himself becoming snooty? Is the book a message designed to keep ordinary Joes in their places, put out by elitists who want to stop working-class people from bringing about social change?
I don't know. There is nothing wrong with being a janitor. There's nothing wrong with being content with your living situation. But if the Al's wages are such that he has to live in an apartment that looks too small for him to be happy in, and which is probably unsuitable for keeping any kind of pet, then Al and Eddie's quest for a better situation is justified and ultimately remains unresolved, yellow paint or no. The ending just leaves me feeling vaguely unsettled.
Is the story a warning of the dangers of drug use, with the island being a metaphor for some kind of opium den and the birds being addicts? Is the tropical island a metaphor for college or university life, with the birds being elitists and Al running back to unskilled labor because he catches himself becoming snooty? Is the book a message designed to keep ordinary Joes in their places, put out by elitists who want to stop working-class people from bringing about social change?
I don't know. There is nothing wrong with being a janitor. There's nothing wrong with being content with your living situation. But if the Al's wages are such that he has to live in an apartment that looks too small for him to be happy in, and which is probably unsuitable for keeping any kind of pet, then Al and Eddie's quest for a better situation is justified and ultimately remains unresolved, yellow paint or no. The ending just leaves me feeling vaguely unsettled.
libraryalexa's review against another edition
5/15/15
A bittersweet story about wanting to live in paradise and a man and his dog
A bittersweet story about wanting to live in paradise and a man and his dog
librarylandlisa's review against another edition
3.0
Weird book, but a good lesson to be learned I suppose
nostalginaut's review against another edition
3.0
I loved this book as a kid.
Also, it caused me to develop a nose itch that's lasted twenty years, and is still going strong. Yep.
Also, it caused me to develop a nose itch that's lasted twenty years, and is still going strong. Yep.