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kinsey304's review
4.0
_Gorilla_ is a Kate Greenaway Medal winner. I thought Gorilla was a very cute story. I think this book is appropriate for preschool-kindergarten (ages 4-6) because it is a simple storyline. However, based on the illustrations, I think it would be appropriate for children up to third grade because they can analyze different aspects of the illustration. I would use this book in a classroom to entertain younger children or to teach older children the aspect of perspective in picture books.
The illustrations heavily use perspective in each one. This is first noticeable in the kitchen when Hannah appears closest to the reader, and her father appears further away. This indicates that the point of view is focused on Hannah. One thing I noticed was the use of color and perspective to indicate Hannah's personality. When she is watching TV, the entire room is dark and gloomy except for the area around her which is colorful and full of butterflies and flowers. The illustrations do not run through the gutter. The right side of each page is a single page illustration, but there is a small illustration on the page with the words. This sort of shows the reader the order of events, the small illustration occurring first in the storyline. The illustrations are heavily detailed, which I believe speaks to a use of the style of realism. This is extremely evident when Hannah and the gorilla are at the zoo looking at the primates. The medium used appears to be a mixed media of watercolors, possibly gouache, and pencil. The colors are softer, but there are very distinct details and fine lines that appear to be done with pencil. One thing I noticed was when Hannah and the Gorilla were walking back there was what appear to be a Guerrilla movement poster. I thought this was very interesting to throw into the illustrations.
The illustrations heavily use perspective in each one. This is first noticeable in the kitchen when Hannah appears closest to the reader, and her father appears further away. This indicates that the point of view is focused on Hannah. One thing I noticed was the use of color and perspective to indicate Hannah's personality. When she is watching TV, the entire room is dark and gloomy except for the area around her which is colorful and full of butterflies and flowers. The illustrations do not run through the gutter. The right side of each page is a single page illustration, but there is a small illustration on the page with the words. This sort of shows the reader the order of events, the small illustration occurring first in the storyline. The illustrations are heavily detailed, which I believe speaks to a use of the style of realism. This is extremely evident when Hannah and the gorilla are at the zoo looking at the primates. The medium used appears to be a mixed media of watercolors, possibly gouache, and pencil. The colors are softer, but there are very distinct details and fine lines that appear to be done with pencil. One thing I noticed was when Hannah and the Gorilla were walking back there was what appear to be a Guerrilla movement poster. I thought this was very interesting to throw into the illustrations.
babayagareads's review
5.0
My father read me this over and over as a little girl. We used to search for the hidden gorillas throughout the book. It's a lovely read about family, fatherhood, and childlike wonder.
snowelf's review
4.0
I was feeling a little ambivalent about this story, and my little boy also seemed, while interested, not too drawn in. There's a sad feel to it, and he probably didn't relate. But it may be more suitable for an early reader as a book to read by yourself, to let the imagination roam without the interference of your parent. This said, I liked the illustrations and I'm very intrigued by [a:Anthony Browne's|35335|Anthony Browne|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1272902188p2/35335.jpg] other titles, and I will be seeking them out.
maireador20's review
4.0
A touching story about a lonely little girl who longs for her Dad to spend time with her. Heart wrenching and beautifully illustrated this is a perfect read aloud for children aged 5+ but would be particularly beneficial for used with older pupils (9+) where it could be used as a springboard for discussions on loneliness, the ethics of keeping animals in zoos, family relationships and more. It could also be used as a prop for close examinations of the 'gorilla-fied' details in the pictures as part of an art history lesson.
thatokiebird's review against another edition
2.0
(Read with little sister as part of the "1,001 Children's Books To Read")
The adventure that the girl and gorilla had and it was nice that her dad did take her to the zoo at the end.
The adventure that the girl and gorilla had and it was nice that her dad did take her to the zoo at the end.
jbet2011's review
3.0
I thought this was an ok story, it was a little depressing at the beginning, but I liked the general idea.
It is a really good example of a picture storybook. The illustrations accompany the text very well and really bring it to life. It uses simple language and has all of the basic literary elements- theme, plot, characters and setting but none of them are very developed, which is typical for a children's book since the purpose is to introduce these concepts and not have them be distracting or too complex.
Its clear, uncluttered illustrations and easy to follow story makes it a good book for young children. The little girl in the book feeling like her father is too busy for her is an issue that many children may be feeling themselves, so they can relate to the story which is important in keeping them engaged.
This is a good book to use with children to talk about their feelings and also encourage imagination. Talking about the girl's night with the gorilla encourages children to use their imagination and gives kids the opportunity to talk about situations when they use their imaginations.
It is a really good example of a picture storybook. The illustrations accompany the text very well and really bring it to life. It uses simple language and has all of the basic literary elements- theme, plot, characters and setting but none of them are very developed, which is typical for a children's book since the purpose is to introduce these concepts and not have them be distracting or too complex.
Its clear, uncluttered illustrations and easy to follow story makes it a good book for young children. The little girl in the book feeling like her father is too busy for her is an issue that many children may be feeling themselves, so they can relate to the story which is important in keeping them engaged.
This is a good book to use with children to talk about their feelings and also encourage imagination. Talking about the girl's night with the gorilla encourages children to use their imagination and gives kids the opportunity to talk about situations when they use their imaginations.
wordnerd153's review
3.0
A tad depressing since Hannah's father is completely absent as a parent until the end, but beautiful illustrations and the adventure Hannah has with her gorilla is very sweet.
alicebennett's review
5.0
This fantastic book tells the story of a lonely girl who longs for her Dad to spend time with her. She has a great fascination with gorillas and one night she is visited by one. He takes her on a magical adventure, filling in for the paternal role and playing the part of the father she longs for.
There is so much you can do with this text looking at book and picture codes, from the illustrations and positioning of the characters looking at perspective and hierarchy. To the colours and how the girl is always shown in the light to represent her innocence and child status. The class would compare the gorilla and the dad, drawing attention to the similar clothes and facial hair in the pictures.
There is so much you can do with this text looking at book and picture codes, from the illustrations and positioning of the characters looking at perspective and hierarchy. To the colours and how the girl is always shown in the light to represent her innocence and child status. The class would compare the gorilla and the dad, drawing attention to the similar clothes and facial hair in the pictures.
kawelch09's review
5.0
Synopsis: A young girl has a dad who doesn't pay attention to her. On her birthday she asks for a gorilla. The story follows her and the gorilla on their adventures.
Key Words: Friendship, family, modern families, anthropomorphism, love.
School Year Group: Year R or Year 5/6
Review: A brilliant book for young children with fantastic illustrations and a great message. Is also perfect for doing work on “reading a picture”
Key Words: Friendship, family, modern families, anthropomorphism, love.
School Year Group: Year R or Year 5/6
Review: A brilliant book for young children with fantastic illustrations and a great message. Is also perfect for doing work on “reading a picture”