Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 05/15/2020 When Sophia’s teacher assigns a new art project, she’s thrilled, but after some frenzied painting, she realizes that something is missing from her creation, and her sociable giraffe friend, Noodle, agrees. A forlorn Sophia presents her work to the teacher, who suggests that she could use a little perspective—literally, in this case, as Sophia gets a crash course in making her artwork spring to life. Finally satisfied, Sophia campaigns to get her piece hung in a place of honor—her diverse extended family’s new fridge—but she must first school them in her newfound knowledge. Ismail’s colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations burst with color and cheer, and Averbeck’s text is charming and playful. Back matter includes a brief art lesson and a glossary of some of the more challenging vocabulary (readers will learn what ossicones are!). Sophia and Noodle are a dream team when it comes to creativity and persistence, providing young readers with a clever lesson on the idea that perspective really is everything. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 Gr 1–2—Sophia and her pet giraffe Noodle are back with a story about perspective. Sophia has what sounds like a simple art assignment—draw something you love. But she isn't happy with her work and crumples up each of her attempts. Luckily, Sophia's teacher Mrs. Paradigm helps her learn about perspective, and Noodle is there to be the example. "To a bird flying over Noodle, his head looks huge, but his hooves small," says Sophia as she begins to understand a bird's-eye view. Inspired, she draws a masterpiece named "Love" that she brings home in hopes of convincing her family to hang it on their new refrigerator. Her grandmother declares the masterpiece too good for the fridge, and hangs it on the wall where everyone can enjoy it. Averbeck's prodigious language and Ismai's bright watercolors are in the same style as their previous "Sophia" titles. A glossary and author's note on drawing perspective are included. VERDICT This book follows the same structure as the two previous titles in the series; it works on its own, but is significantly better in conjunction with the other titles.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Lib., Troy, NH - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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