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Her Idea
Sozi loves ideas. The only trouble is,
she can t seem to ever finish them.
Like Oh the Places You ll Go by
Dr Seuss, Her Idea is a book for both
children and adults but especially
for anyone who has said I think I ll
start tomorrow .
Told in delightfully honest rhyme
(Hmm, maybe later/Not today anyway/
It s such a big task/And she d much
rather play) and accompanied by
vibrant illustrations, it is an inspiring
story within a story about getting to
THE END.
she can t seem to ever finish them.
Like Oh the Places You ll Go by
Dr Seuss, Her Idea is a book for both
children and adults but especially
for anyone who has said I think I ll
start tomorrow .
Told in delightfully honest rhyme
(Hmm, maybe later/Not today anyway/
It s such a big task/And she d much
rather play) and accompanied by
vibrant illustrations, it is an inspiring
story within a story about getting to
THE END.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 19, 2018
Check out more Picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Her Idea is about a little girl with tons and tons of ideas... when she makes an attempt to do something with them the ideas flee. Along comes a book to store those ideas! Can she see her ideas to their end?
My nephew and I enjoyed the whimsical nature of the story. He didn't really understand that the little cone head person was an idea, it's such an abstract idea represented so concretely, but he HAD SUCH FUN!! He loved several spreads like the one with the thousands of ideas and he adored the book capturing ideas. We loved the SLAM! He LOVED the hole in the book! He realized that she went into the book because of the hole in our book and the drawing! Further reads would produce further understanding of the concept of ideas.
I LOVED the graphic nature of the art and the primary colors were used to such great effect. I would buy this book for the illustrations alone! But fortunately I loved the story too! Teaching children to pursue completing what they start can not happen too early! This is foundational to their future. It is also so creative that it makes your (and their?) mind churn with your own ideas! It you need a picture book to keep around your office for young visitors I'd pick this one so you can use it to gets bursts of inspiration!
BOTTOM LINE: Teach persistence at an early age!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
March 2, 2015
This is a very imaginative book about imagination! Taking the form of a book within a book, it follows Sozi as she journeys through the creative process from concept to conclusion. At first her ideas are plentiful, but then we see through the breathtaking movement on every page those common stumbles – to be overwhelmed by, or chasing elusive ideas, to be overshadowed by an end that won’t present itself, and of course, procrastination…
There’s a wonderful juxtaposition of this hyper-modern character within a limited, retro palette. Indigo, red, mustard yellow and seafoam green are all that are used to create this beautifully arresting book. Inside and out, with die-cut boards and tactile, fibrous paper, this book has been produced to the highest standards. It is an idea that has been perfectly, impeccably realised.
I understand that I love this book from a grown-up’s perspective, but the fact that ‘Her Idea’ show us clearly the rewards of perseverance and determination – and in such an engaging and immersive way – is what makes this book such a fantastic story to share with children, too. Its lesson is suitable for all ages!
There’s a wonderful juxtaposition of this hyper-modern character within a limited, retro palette. Indigo, red, mustard yellow and seafoam green are all that are used to create this beautifully arresting book. Inside and out, with die-cut boards and tactile, fibrous paper, this book has been produced to the highest standards. It is an idea that has been perfectly, impeccably realised.
I understand that I love this book from a grown-up’s perspective, but the fact that ‘Her Idea’ show us clearly the rewards of perseverance and determination – and in such an engaging and immersive way – is what makes this book such a fantastic story to share with children, too. Its lesson is suitable for all ages!
September 2, 2015
First I want to say thanks to Nobrow for sending me this beautiful book!
I really enjoyed this book and even more then that my 8 year old nephew enjoyed this book as well! My nephew hates reading, absolutely hates it! Just to get him to read for half and hour always ends with him crying because he would rather play call of duty or watch tv then pick up a book. But when I received this book he was immediately drawn to the gorgeous pictures. When he was done there were no tears in sight and he asked to read it again the next day!
I personally enjoyed the book as well! Like my nephew I was drawn to the gorgeous artwork and colors, they were simple but absolutely stunning! The story was cute and easy to follow along with which is perfect for children but has words that will challenge as well (which was perfect for my nephew.) As a future teacher this is definitely a book I would want in my classroom, because it's a great book for all ages!
I really enjoyed this book and even more then that my 8 year old nephew enjoyed this book as well! My nephew hates reading, absolutely hates it! Just to get him to read for half and hour always ends with him crying because he would rather play call of duty or watch tv then pick up a book. But when I received this book he was immediately drawn to the gorgeous pictures. When he was done there were no tears in sight and he asked to read it again the next day!
I personally enjoyed the book as well! Like my nephew I was drawn to the gorgeous artwork and colors, they were simple but absolutely stunning! The story was cute and easy to follow along with which is perfect for children but has words that will challenge as well (which was perfect for my nephew.) As a future teacher this is definitely a book I would want in my classroom, because it's a great book for all ages!
August 9, 2017
Great for creativity.
March 9, 2015
It's probably a little obvious considering my profession, but I'm a huge fan of picture books. My shelves are stacked full of them and I can barely walk out of a bookshop without a few in tow. Flying Eye Books (an imprint of Nobrow) publish particularly gorgeous pages of loveliness, so I was more than happy to receive a copy of Rilla Alexander's new picture book 'Her Idea' to have a chat about.
The thing that really grabbed me about Her Idea is the theme - the trials of seeing an idea through to completion - it's something that we all encounter at some point in our lives (professional creative or not), and it certainly hit home for me. I know that I have sketchbooks full of little drawings and story scribbles that have remained stuck in closed pages for years. It can be tricky to avoid losing motivation when you first snag a concept; but 'Her Idea' definitely inspires you to grab hold of those little flashes of inspiration and run with them.
Her Idea features strong, graphic illustration with a limited colour palette and a lot of movement. Rilla has such a distinct, arresting style that it's instantly recognisable as her work; it's a story with a bold visual voice. There's a great atmosphere to the book and the pace and flow is spot on - you're with Sozi every step of the way!
Nobrow and Flying Eye Books publish a lot of cutting edge illustration, and this number is no different - there's a simplicity to it, which works well with the crispness of the linework and a strong sense of dynamic shape. There's just so much character in 'Her Idea', you really feel for Sozi and her story. Physically, the book's got gorgeously thick, textured paper and vibrant printing. You can really appreciate how well made it is (and it's one of those books that smells amazing too!). There's definitely been a lot of care put into it at every stage.
I won't deny feeling a little emotional after reading this, it's just such a great reflection of what it's like to be a creative person, or, in fact, a human in general. Letting ideas slip away because of a dip in motivation or confidence is so universal - and it takes a leap to go and chase them down.
There's so many things that come together to make this book as lovely as it is - and you can tell the story has been written from the heart. As a creative person, I'm definitely going to be grabbing this book from the shelf when I'm feeling particularly Page 19, and I know I would've absolutely loved reading this when I was little!
The thing that really grabbed me about Her Idea is the theme - the trials of seeing an idea through to completion - it's something that we all encounter at some point in our lives (professional creative or not), and it certainly hit home for me. I know that I have sketchbooks full of little drawings and story scribbles that have remained stuck in closed pages for years. It can be tricky to avoid losing motivation when you first snag a concept; but 'Her Idea' definitely inspires you to grab hold of those little flashes of inspiration and run with them.
Her Idea features strong, graphic illustration with a limited colour palette and a lot of movement. Rilla has such a distinct, arresting style that it's instantly recognisable as her work; it's a story with a bold visual voice. There's a great atmosphere to the book and the pace and flow is spot on - you're with Sozi every step of the way!
Nobrow and Flying Eye Books publish a lot of cutting edge illustration, and this number is no different - there's a simplicity to it, which works well with the crispness of the linework and a strong sense of dynamic shape. There's just so much character in 'Her Idea', you really feel for Sozi and her story. Physically, the book's got gorgeously thick, textured paper and vibrant printing. You can really appreciate how well made it is (and it's one of those books that smells amazing too!). There's definitely been a lot of care put into it at every stage.
I won't deny feeling a little emotional after reading this, it's just such a great reflection of what it's like to be a creative person, or, in fact, a human in general. Letting ideas slip away because of a dip in motivation or confidence is so universal - and it takes a leap to go and chase them down.
There's so many things that come together to make this book as lovely as it is - and you can tell the story has been written from the heart. As a creative person, I'm definitely going to be grabbing this book from the shelf when I'm feeling particularly Page 19, and I know I would've absolutely loved reading this when I was little!
March 20, 2016
My partner was sent a review copy of this book, and when she handed it to me upon opening its package, I accidentally read the whole thing. It's brilliant. The stunning artwork combines strong textural line work with a beautifully refined and vibrant colour palette, and both are used throughout to maintain the singular atmosphere breathed by the book's world. The tone of the story perfectly captures the struggle for completion in the realm of creativity and ideas, and it speaks very much to me personally. I'm sure that any dreamer and creative mind will be able to relate to this gorgeous book, and will absolutely love it.
March 21, 2016
My partner was sent a review copy of this book, and when she handed it to me upon opening its package, I accidentally read the whole thing. It's brilliant. The stunning artwork combines strong textural line work with a beautifully refined and vibrant colour palette, and both are used throughout to maintain the singular atmosphere breathed by the book's world. The tone of the story perfectly captures the struggle for completion in the realm of creativity and ideas, and it speaks very much to me personally. I'm sure that any dreamer and creative mind will be able to relate to this gorgeous book, and will absolutely love it.
February 10, 2016
My partner was sent a review copy of this book, and when she handed it to me upon opening its package, I accidentally read the whole thing. It's brilliant. The stunning artwork combines strong textural line work with a beautifully refined and vibrant colour palette, and both are used throughout to maintain the singular atmosphere breathed by the book's world. The tone of the story perfectly captures the struggle for completion in the realm of creativity and ideas, and it speaks very much to me personally. I'm sure that any dreamer and creative mind will be able to relate to this gorgeous book, and will absolutely love it.
January 10, 2016
Sozi had hundreds of ideas. They came to her even when she was relaxing. One day she decided to write a book, but something terrible happened. One by one every idea left her. She was lost and alone and crying. Then a friend came to help. He quietly went around and captured all her ideas in the pages of a book. Then when Sozi decided to write her story she had all her ideas in one place to help her. But when she got to the end, Sozi didn’t know what to do. So the book captured her too. Now she lives in the book with all her ideas, which is after all where she really wanted to be all along.
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
January 23, 2015
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me access to this book for an honest review.
This book is not your standard picturebook. The art is modern, and the colours are non-traditional. All of that though, can be justified as a back-up for the plot, which is almost experimental literature. Seriously, this is a picture book like Kafka would've written. That isn't my thing, and so that combined with the fact I had problems reading all the words, and that the rhythm was often lost means it isn't one that'll living on my shelves.
This book is not your standard picturebook. The art is modern, and the colours are non-traditional. All of that though, can be justified as a back-up for the plot, which is almost experimental literature. Seriously, this is a picture book like Kafka would've written. That isn't my thing, and so that combined with the fact I had problems reading all the words, and that the rhythm was often lost means it isn't one that'll living on my shelves.
January 25, 2015
Her Idea is a brilliant children’s book about Sozi, a girl with—ideas. They pop up endlessly, follow her about, overwhelm her, and they keep on coming. Sound like any early-graders you know?
This fun, rhyming book-within-a-book is great for read-aloud. It’s also the sort of thing that a young reader can leaf through again and again. The illustrations are whimsical and full of details to be discovered. Those ideas—sometimes they look like baby squid, sometimes like homunculi—are everywhere.
Any children in your life who are thinkers and makers will be delighted with this book.
This fun, rhyming book-within-a-book is great for read-aloud. It’s also the sort of thing that a young reader can leaf through again and again. The illustrations are whimsical and full of details to be discovered. Those ideas—sometimes they look like baby squid, sometimes like homunculi—are everywhere.
Any children in your life who are thinkers and makers will be delighted with this book.
March 11, 2015
Her Idea written and illustrated by Rilla Alexander is a book to be enjoyed by people of all ages who have ever struggled to bring a dream, a thought, into reality. It opens up a world of opportunities for discussion inside and outside of the classroom.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
September 1, 2015
I wanted to like this book, but I don't. It feels a bit too avant-garde for a picture book. I see what the author is doing and I respect it. I'm all for changing the narrative when it comes to girls in picture books. I just don't find this book endearing.
January 8, 2013
The idea and pictures were cute and the pacing good, but the words lacked rhythm...
Read
May 12, 2015Won't read again unless he needs to for school
October 27, 2015
For adults with writer's block
October 3, 2015
Sit down and write!
November 23, 2015
Trippy, and possibly about your ADD killing you?
February 19, 2016
A bit quirky, oh, how I can relate!
March 18, 2016
Amazing illustrations. Good suggestion for a parent that wants to introduce the idea of follow through. The rhyming text didn't really do it for me though.
August 30, 2015
An interesting story in rhyme about the importance of reading.
April 9, 2017
I liked the illustrations and the fact that ideas are appreciated in this story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews