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The Imposter
Olive loves her Mr. Snuggles more than anything else in the world. He's cuddly. Reliable. Perfect. And unfortunately . . . lost! When Mr. Snuggles mysteriously reappears, Olive couldn't be more excited. They are back on track to being best friends forever. Except, something doesn't feel quite right. Mr. Snuggles is a little too clean and a little too fluffy. He's an imposter! And when Olive finds the shiny new box, the proof is undeniable. Now Olive must make room for more than one Mr. Snuggles in her heart or find a way to rid the Imposter from her life for good. With charming illustrations that draw out the heart and humor of Olive's complicated relationship with the new Mr. Snuggles, The Imposter is sure to become a favorite bedtime or storytime read.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2024
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 16, 2023
The Imposter is an adorable story of a beloved stuffed companion that goes missing. Most people who were once kids and their parents will find this story familiar. The illustrations are vibrant and interesting to look at while being read to. They are mostly in blue/green tones, except when Olive is really emotional, then they are in reds/oranges. Very effective. I found Olive a little melodramatic, rather than truly distraught, when Mr. Snuggles disappeared, but that's a small nit-pick. The rest of the book was very true to the emotional life of a young child. I really enjoyed how Olive learned to love and find comfort in The Imposter. And then when Mr. Snuggles (the real one) turned up, she was able to continue loving them both.
October 21, 2023
[Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.]
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Olive loves Mr. Snuggles, her fluffy plush that she takes with her all the time. Except one day… he disappears.
When he reappears, though, Olive feels like there's something wrong—it's not the real Mr. Snuggles!
Will she still be able to like him anyway?
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It was a very cute and funny little story, about that terrible moment in a kid's life when you lose your favourite toy. The writing was playful and the illustrations were lovely and carried the text perfectly!
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Olive loves Mr. Snuggles, her fluffy plush that she takes with her all the time. Except one day… he disappears.
When he reappears, though, Olive feels like there's something wrong—it's not the real Mr. Snuggles!
Will she still be able to like him anyway?
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It was a very cute and funny little story, about that terrible moment in a kid's life when you lose your favourite toy. The writing was playful and the illustrations were lovely and carried the text perfectly!
May 30, 2024
Such a sweet and relatable picture book for any parent who has lived in fear that a favorite lovey might go missing. This book may just alleviate some anxiety for kids who hold on to the loveys so tight. The illustrations are full of details that will make this a favorite to read and read again.
October 7, 2023
The writing was fairly simple with a range of different difficulty levels of words. The sentences were all short and snappy. I liked that there were then a couple of pages with just sounds splashed across the middle to break the story up and to keep the reader's interest.
The only thing I would say is that the sentences were all over the page and it took me a few seconds to realise which order to read them in. That did break the flow a bit for me and I ended up reading ahead in order to work out which sentence went where.
The text was on different coloured backgrounds depending on where it was on the page. There was also a mixture of black and white text (the colour of the text dependent on the background colour) and different sizes of text. The text was also curved rather than in straight lines.
The pictures were fairly blocked and bold. There was some detail in there, but it was the sort of illustration that you would expect in a younger child's book, more easy on the eye.
The storyline itself is something that parents and children alike can relate to making it a good bedtime story that the whole family can enjoy.
Overall a cute book.
The only thing I would say is that the sentences were all over the page and it took me a few seconds to realise which order to read them in. That did break the flow a bit for me and I ended up reading ahead in order to work out which sentence went where.
The text was on different coloured backgrounds depending on where it was on the page. There was also a mixture of black and white text (the colour of the text dependent on the background colour) and different sizes of text. The text was also curved rather than in straight lines.
The pictures were fairly blocked and bold. There was some detail in there, but it was the sort of illustration that you would expect in a younger child's book, more easy on the eye.
The storyline itself is something that parents and children alike can relate to making it a good bedtime story that the whole family can enjoy.
Overall a cute book.
December 30, 2023
Olive has lost her favorite snuggly pal, Mr. Snuggles, and is distraught. She used to do everything with Mr. Snuggles, play games, read books, sing songs together, etc. Then "Mr. Snuggles" shows up again and Olive realizes that something is not quite right with him, he just seems different; too clean, too fluffy, and more like an imposter. Olive finds the box that came with the new Mr. Snuggles and her suspicions about him being an imposter are confirmed. She is so upset that the old Snuggles is gone that she doesn't want to play with her new snuggly toy. Her parents encourage her to try to get used to her new Mr. Snuggles and before we know it Olive finds new things she likes to do with the imposter. Then one night after looking far under her bed she finds her old Mr. Snuggles and names her new one Mr. Huggles. Two new friends are born and neither one is an imposter to Olive anymore.
A relatable book for most young children who have had their very own snuggly friend. Also teaches a cute lesson in learning to adjust to new friends/new things in our lives after a loss. I would love to own a hard copy of this picturebook for my collection. A beautiful and successful debut by the author Bower.
A relatable book for most young children who have had their very own snuggly friend. Also teaches a cute lesson in learning to adjust to new friends/new things in our lives after a loss. I would love to own a hard copy of this picturebook for my collection. A beautiful and successful debut by the author Bower.
September 25, 2024
Who doesn’t know a child (or was a child) who has a special stuffed animal, doll, blanket, or toy that they are SO attached to, they can’t live without it? That’s what Olive has in Mr. Snuggles, until one day he disappears! She’s devastated! But then, one day he miraculously reappears. Or so she thinks. Enter THE IMPOSTER! Children always know, don’t they? This book is so relatable and, without being preachy, shows themes of kindness, compromise, and acceptance. Overall, this is a really sweet story with engaging illustrations and characters and tons of kid-appeal.
January 2, 2024
I read an eARC of this sweet picture book, which follows Olive as she loses her special stuffed animal. Adorable illustrations and playful text makes it a wonderful read aloud! Relatable, funny, and heartwarming, this book is sure to be a kid favorite!
October 23, 2023
Thank you so much to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Olive and Mr. Snuggles are inseparable, best friends that do everything and go everywhere together. When he is missing one day she searches everywhere, until she has to stop. Then she’s given an imposter who she doesn’t take a liking to but when she needs him most he is there for her.
What an adorable story of a child’s connection to their best plushie friend. I loved the love she had for Mr. Snuggles and that’s he knew him so perfectly well, there was no hiding that it wasn’t him at all. I also really loved that though she didn’t like the imposter she eventually learnt how important he was too and called him Mr. Huggles which is so cute.
The illustrations were all really beautiful to look at, seeing how she was playing with her best friends, her searching for him, and her adjusting to the new friend. They were drawn so sweetly and matched the story perfectly.
I do recommend this book, it’s a really easy and very very sweet read, if your child has a plushie best friend then they would completely connect with Olive and adore this sweet story. I loved it so much as someone that still holds my plushies dear to me this was so precious.
Olive and Mr. Snuggles are inseparable, best friends that do everything and go everywhere together. When he is missing one day she searches everywhere, until she has to stop. Then she’s given an imposter who she doesn’t take a liking to but when she needs him most he is there for her.
What an adorable story of a child’s connection to their best plushie friend. I loved the love she had for Mr. Snuggles and that’s he knew him so perfectly well, there was no hiding that it wasn’t him at all. I also really loved that though she didn’t like the imposter she eventually learnt how important he was too and called him Mr. Huggles which is so cute.
The illustrations were all really beautiful to look at, seeing how she was playing with her best friends, her searching for him, and her adjusting to the new friend. They were drawn so sweetly and matched the story perfectly.
I do recommend this book, it’s a really easy and very very sweet read, if your child has a plushie best friend then they would completely connect with Olive and adore this sweet story. I loved it so much as someone that still holds my plushies dear to me this was so precious.
October 8, 2023
Book 117 of 200 ~ 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
TOO CUTE!! And though I am obviously not a parent, I have heard of these adorable stories of the little ones all frantic when their favourite toy is in the wash, damaged, or has gone missing.
I know of some who have multiples of the same dolly... however, THEY know!! This book protagonist is no different.. smart one...
Wonderfully told of acceptance and adapting to change... with some very adorableeeee illustrations that made me squeal. Highly recommended this:)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, @netgalley
#book117of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
TOO CUTE!! And though I am obviously not a parent, I have heard of these adorable stories of the little ones all frantic when their favourite toy is in the wash, damaged, or has gone missing.
I know of some who have multiples of the same dolly... however, THEY know!! This book protagonist is no different.. smart one...
Wonderfully told of acceptance and adapting to change... with some very adorableeeee illustrations that made me squeal. Highly recommended this:)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, @netgalley
#book117of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
December 14, 2023
I was lucky enough to read the ARC for The Imposter and I think any kid would LOVE to have this book! If your child hasn’t lost their lovey yet, they most likely will, and your child will need this book! It is so sweet, so funny, and so perfectly told. I wish I had had this book a few years ago when we lost a lovely for a whopping 8 months! We had an imposter who (mostly) filled the hole in my daughter’s heart until the OG was found. I just love this book and kids will too! Perfect birthday or holiday gift, and a good one to own and read time and again!! I’m going to buy this as a gift for some birthday parties we have coming up and I know it will make a perfect present! Author Laura Bower and illustrator Kerisa Greene hit a homerun with this adorable picture book!
March 3, 2024
I really enjoyed reading an ARC of this beautiful book written by Laura Bower. The story is so cute, sweet, and delightful that I think many kids (and parents) will have a wonderful time reading it and will be able to relate to it.
The story follows Olive, a little girl with a favorite plush friend who joins her in all her adventures until one day, Mr. Snuggles disappears. As Olive looks for her dear buddy without success, her parents decide to plant an imposter in his place. However, Olive can't be fooled and the imposter is eventually discovered, leading to a satisfying happy ending.
This story is heartwarming and funny, and the illustrations by Kerisa Greene are absolutely adorable. This is a book that would definitely make a great addition to homes, schools and libraries.
The story follows Olive, a little girl with a favorite plush friend who joins her in all her adventures until one day, Mr. Snuggles disappears. As Olive looks for her dear buddy without success, her parents decide to plant an imposter in his place. However, Olive can't be fooled and the imposter is eventually discovered, leading to a satisfying happy ending.
This story is heartwarming and funny, and the illustrations by Kerisa Greene are absolutely adorable. This is a book that would definitely make a great addition to homes, schools and libraries.
November 8, 2023
The Imposter is an adorable tale written by Laura Bower and illustrated by Kerisa Greene. In the book, Olive loves her plush friend Mr. Snuggles and keeps him close by for all her adventures. Until one day, Olive can't find Mr. Snuggles. Olive is overset by grief until Mr. Snuggles reappears. But is it the real Mr. Snuggles? Readers will be fascinated by this tale of a missing bff and ID theft. The illustrations are cheery and sweet, setting off the text perfectly. Parents and children will both relate to this tale. It's a perfect for bedtime reading as we all know that's the most common time for plush friends to disappear.
December 23, 2023
I still remember how attached my kids were to their stuffed toys so this story hit a soft spot in my heart. I mean, what kid didn’t go through the trauma of being separated from their favorite toy or security blanket? This story will resonate with young kids and their parents too!.
Olive is desperate after losing her beloved Mr. Snuggles and she knows that the replacement is an imposter.
But when she ends up with two plushies, she learns that one could have enough love to share with both.
The illustrations are child friendly and adorable.
All in all, highly recommended for schools, libraries and families that went through similar traumas
Olive is desperate after losing her beloved Mr. Snuggles and she knows that the replacement is an imposter.
But when she ends up with two plushies, she learns that one could have enough love to share with both.
The illustrations are child friendly and adorable.
All in all, highly recommended for schools, libraries and families that went through similar traumas
December 30, 2023
This story is relatable on so many levels and I absolutely LOVED it! Olive cherishes her lovey, Mr. Snuggles, more than anything. But when she loses him and THE IMPOSTER turns up in his place, Olive must decide whether he fits into her life – and into her heart. Author Laura Bower is a fantastic storyteller hitting the perfect balance between humor and heart. Kerisa Greene’s illustrations are delightful–adding clever details, hilarious expressions and a final image that will warm your heart. Together, this duo made a MUST-READ book that readers will want to read (with their own lovey) over and over again. Highly Recommend!
January 8, 2024
The Imposter by Laura Bower is about a young girl, Olive, who misplaces her very favorite stuffy, Mr. Snuggles. This book is charming—perfect for any child, but especially those who may have an attachment to a certain toy. Children will love this relatable, funny, and completely adorable read. They're sure to connect as Olive displays mixed emotions, personal growth, and loyalty. Adults will love this book, too. It’s a great starting point for discussions about losing something special/important. I love this book and children will, too. Great for a birthday gift or holiday present, there's a lot to love about The Imposter!
January 11, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Gnome Road Publishing through NetGalley.
So many families have faced this situation. When a favorite stuffy goes missing, Olive looked everywhere for it. Readers see her share her memories of all the special times together as she searches. Then, she finds Mr. Snuggles, but it doesn't feel the same. She discovers her family has bought a new stuffy which she rejects. By the end, she has both stuffies and is happy again.
Bower does a masterful job capturing all of the emotions involved in losing a security object. Readers will feel the pain and see the humor as the story unfolds. The illustrations enhance the text and offer further clues throughout.
So many families have faced this situation. When a favorite stuffy goes missing, Olive looked everywhere for it. Readers see her share her memories of all the special times together as she searches. Then, she finds Mr. Snuggles, but it doesn't feel the same. She discovers her family has bought a new stuffy which she rejects. By the end, she has both stuffies and is happy again.
Bower does a masterful job capturing all of the emotions involved in losing a security object. Readers will feel the pain and see the humor as the story unfolds. The illustrations enhance the text and offer further clues throughout.
March 19, 2024
This book really resonated with my kids and me. The message is super sweet for kids and parents too. We have had our fair share of missing lovies...and imposters. I think it is totally common for parents to try and substitute their children's lovies, while not getting busted. It was so smart how the author normalized such a common dynamic of "child loses lovie - parents replace lovie - child suspects parents of replacing lovie". In the end, the child makes room in her heart for multiple lovies, which makes this book so meaningful and timeless. The illustrations are super well done, too. Almost forgot to mention.
April 26, 2024
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
Olive's favorite thing is Mr. Snuggles. When He goes missing Olive looks everywhere but she can't find him. Luckily her family knows what to do and a new Mr. Snuggles appears. But Olive knows he is an imposter. . what is she going to do? Well she tries to make it work with this new toy but he just doesn't understand. Then a thunderstorm comes one night and this new toy helps to calm Olive. What will happen when the old Mr. Snuggles returns.
I sweet story with great pictures and easy to follow storyline. Good for any kid who has a special something.
Olive's favorite thing is Mr. Snuggles. When He goes missing Olive looks everywhere but she can't find him. Luckily her family knows what to do and a new Mr. Snuggles appears. But Olive knows he is an imposter. . what is she going to do? Well she tries to make it work with this new toy but he just doesn't understand. Then a thunderstorm comes one night and this new toy helps to calm Olive. What will happen when the old Mr. Snuggles returns.
I sweet story with great pictures and easy to follow storyline. Good for any kid who has a special something.
July 11, 2024
As a long-time stuffed-animal lover, I heartily approve of this book. :) I slept with four for a lot of my childhood and lost a couple of my smallest and most precious ones a few times, so we had to search EVERYWHERE for them (and even had to backtrack on some road trips to rescue one). I'm not sure I was ever given an imposter, but I can see the appeal of attempting that (on the part of the caregivers) and also understand how heartbreaking it would be were a kid to find out about it. I guess since there's this spoiler on the cover (it you take a moment to look), I'll share that it is a cute and happy ending.
December 16, 2024
The Imposter by Laura Bower is a sweet story that is incredibly relatable to anyone who ever loved a stuffy (or has had to sneak in a replacement;)! When Olive's stuffed animal "best friend" goes missing, she refuses to navigate a new relationship. Although skeptical, she learns that friendship takes time and openness. Told with humor, kindness, and heart, Bower shows how allowing yourself that chance to make to new friends doesn't diminish the value of the friendship(s) you already enjoy with your old ones. Colorful illustrations with text as part complete the look and feel. A fun, meaningful story perfect for gifting to young children.
December 18, 2023
I had the privilege of reading the ARC for this book and it is absolutely adorable. Full of heart, relatability, and childlike imagination, this story of a girl losing her lovey and having it replaced by "an imposter" will capture the heart of every single child who has a lovey of their own. The protagonists' antics will make you giggle and the perfect ending may bring happy tears to your eyes. For fans of Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny trilogy or anyone who loves The Velveteen Rabbit, but would prefer something more uplifting, this book does not disappoint.
February 7, 2024
What a heartwarming tale of Olive and her cherished companion, Mr. Snuggles. Their unbreakable bond is very relatable whether you are an adult of a child, even in his absence. The illustrations beautifully and affectionately capture their adventures and emotions, adding depth to the story. Readers will love how Olive knows the new Mr. Snuggles isn't the real one, yet in her time of need learns to love it just the same. A delightful read, especially for children who treasure their plushie friends. This charming story resonated deeply with me as a fellow plushie enthusiast as a grown adult!
March 5, 2024
Olive LOVES her Mr. Snuggles. He's her best friend and confidante. They do everything together. When he goes missing one day, she is bereft. Then he reappears. JOY! Only . . . suddenly he's cleaner, and he smells different. Could Olive's dearest pal been replaced by an . . . imposter?
This is a very cute, very relatable tale that any child who's ever loved a stuffed animal or doll is going to adore. Kerisa Greene's artwork is sweet, and makes a great accompaniment to the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for sharing.
This is a very cute, very relatable tale that any child who's ever loved a stuffed animal or doll is going to adore. Kerisa Greene's artwork is sweet, and makes a great accompaniment to the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for sharing.
April 2, 2024
The Imposter is a hilarious take on a situation that every parent knows all too well - a beloved stuffed animal, pacifier, or blankie goes missing. What to do? Buy a replacement of course! But kids are far too smart sometimes...they can always sniff out an...IMPOSTER! When Mr. Snuggles goes missing, he turns up again after a few days. Or does he? Kids and their caregivers will delight in the hilarious situations and fun illustrations, while sympathizing with the main character as she tries to figure out if she can accept the Imposter. And will Mr. Snuggles ever be found?
October 30, 2023
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Young Olive is playful and cheerful with Mr. Snuggles. Every day, there's a new adventure for them, from coloring to playing games; each day is fun. But what happens when Mr. Snuggles goes missing? And who's Mr. Huggles? It is a delightful picture book on the meaning of friendships and gaining new ones. The Imposter is perfect for young ones who lose their favorite stuffed animal and always find something new.
Young Olive is playful and cheerful with Mr. Snuggles. Every day, there's a new adventure for them, from coloring to playing games; each day is fun. But what happens when Mr. Snuggles goes missing? And who's Mr. Huggles? It is a delightful picture book on the meaning of friendships and gaining new ones. The Imposter is perfect for young ones who lose their favorite stuffed animal and always find something new.
January 8, 2024
A girl realizes two stuffed animals are better than one.
"Imposter" is a fun read about a stuffed animal named Mr. Snuggles. Olive is unhappy when Mr. Snuggles goes missing. Her parents attempt to replace Mr. Snuggles with an identical one. After a stormy night, Olive decides that maybe Mr. Snuggles and its imposter aren't so bad. I highly recommend this book for its whimsical pictures that accompany the text.
"Imposter" is a fun read about a stuffed animal named Mr. Snuggles. Olive is unhappy when Mr. Snuggles goes missing. Her parents attempt to replace Mr. Snuggles with an identical one. After a stormy night, Olive decides that maybe Mr. Snuggles and its imposter aren't so bad. I highly recommend this book for its whimsical pictures that accompany the text.
March 20, 2024
“The Imposter” by Laura Bower is so beautifully written and truly captivates the heart. The story of a little girl who loses her cherished stuffed animal, only to have an unexpected imposter make an appearance. This book is a highly recommended read for children coping with the loss of a favorite toy (or anything else), as well as for parents who have used an "imposter" to alleviate their child's agony. The story charmingly illustrates in both words and pictures, love, change and acceptance.
April 2, 2024
This book is so relatable! My daughter LOVED her Dolly, so much that we knew we had to get a backup for when the dog would inevitably get it. Seven years later and my daughter still sleeps with both Dollies, original and backup, chewed up hair and all. This book hits the nail on the head when it comes to a child's relationship with their special lovey. Kids can definitely spy an imposter but can also open their hearts to make room for new friendships.
April 12, 2024
We absolutely fell in love with Olive and Mr Snuggles! Laura Bower’s story of The Imposter is so relatable and heartfelt, with a delightful surprise near the end. Kerisa Greene has created adorable and accessible characters that really bring the story to life. We love the pace and variety of the layouts and the gorgeous hand-crafted text. This book definitely has the ‘R’ quality - re-readability! Guaranteed to be a bedtime story favorite!
January 9, 2025
Olive’s favorite stuffie, Mr. Snuggles goes missing. She searches high and low but he’s nowhere to be found. Then suddenly, like magic, Mr. Snuggles reappears. Except . . . something isn’t quite right. He doesn’t smell the same and he’s a little too clean. Olive begins to suspect that he’s an imposter. And so the investigation begins. This is an adorable and very relatable story with a sweet and satisfying ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews