Typewriter

by Yevgenia Nayberg

A neglected Russian typewriter clicks, clacks, and rings to life with a new owner.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Writing

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 25, 2020

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique book! A writer immigrates from Russia to the United States. He brings along his typewriter with the Russian alphabet. What would you bring with you if you were moving to another country? Would it be useful? Find out in this story what happens to the typewriter when it arrives in the United States.
An entertaining story for older picture book readers, for a class read-aloud, or as a mentor text for point of view.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful children's book about something old becoming something new to someone else and the power of things changing our lives

[Natalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any story illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg is bound to keep you staring at the pages for hours, taking in the exquisitely-detailed illustrations. But also, I love the humor scattered through this story! The main character is a Russian typewriter brought to America by his owner, a writer. Although the writer intends to make good use of Typewriter, a laptop becomes more practical. My favorite line is when the writer puts the typewriter on the curb, free for anyone to take, and the typewriter dryly remarks, “I had read enough Russian novels to know that it would begin to rain now. It did.” A lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typewriter by author/illustrator Yevgenia Nayberg is a stunning picture book following a typewriter and his writer owner. Cleverly written from the point of view of the typewriter, the story tells their journey from their home in Russia to the USA. The typewriter, so essential to the writer in Russia, gradually becomes obsolete, but luckily it is valued again in another home with another owner. The artwork shouts Yevgenia's signature style and the book design has done a wonderful job of creating great movement in a story of a static object.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, the adult in me LOVES this book. It is funny and relatable and understandable. The transition from the old to the new and the adjustment of the Russian writer to his new life in America are very adult themes. How hilarious is the typewriter's line: "I had read enough Russian novels to know that it would begin to rain now. It did." But what kid is going to get that humor? Maybe the hook for the kid is where the typewriter ends up and that exciting feeling a kid gets when exploring a new machine or toy. Still, I'll rate it for myself as an adult reader. Good book!

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typewriter is the story of Typewriter and his writer. When the writer moves to the United States from Russia, one of the only thing he brings is Typewriter, but once in America, the writer spends all of his time working and no time writing. Typewriter gathers dust. When the writer is ready to write again, he purchases a laptop for himself. What will become of Typewriter? This lovely story of immigration and change is accompanied by Yevgenia Nayberg's beautiful illustrations.

[Gayle Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyberg's clever story about an abandoned typewriter that prints the Cyrillic alphabet is simple and inspiring. The typewriter takes on a human aspect that young children can easily relate to. It also weaves a tale of immigration into American society through the eyes of an inanimate object--a skill thought to be left behind finds new life in another country.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Russian writer immigrates to the United States without much, but he does bring his typewriter with him. Eventually, the typewriter gets forgotten as the writer discovers new technology.

I loved how the story is told from the typewriter’s perspective and how it is personified.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely ode to typewriters and immigrants

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story about a typewriter who finds new life.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old Russian typewriter gets a new lease on life when a little girl wants to give the Russian typewriter a try.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like this book as much as I want to - I love the moving story, the story of the tech, but the ending does not satisfy me.

[Andrey Krasnov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever owned an object which you love, but it is out of date or out of context?
Meet the typewriter. thought provoking and uplifting vook.

Great illustrations and smart writing.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful.

[Evan Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the illustrations, and the story is good. I think we can all relate to the typewriter.

[Katrina Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute

[Amalia Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typewriter is one of these books that has, Originality typed all over it.
Talented author/illustrator Yevgenia Nayberg has created a most moving, unique and visually beautiful picture book that truly expresses the struggles of newcomers who arrive in a new place and soon realize that their lives, habits and passions must be drastically altered.
Told in first person from a point of view of a Russian typewriter, we get to identify with this device. Once so beloved in its native land, the typewriter was so important to his writer that it made its way to America, sitting on the writer’s lap as he flew to his new land.
Alas, once in America, the writer soon realizes that he must struggle to survive by doing odd jobs and hardly has time to write.
When he finally gets back to his writing, the writer realizes that the old typewriter must be replaced with a laptop. A very humorous illustration depicts the writer working on his laptop in a coffee shop with scattered cups of coffee on the table, one of which is decorated with an American flag.
Luckily, a little girl finds the discarded typewriter and a whole new way to make use of it.
Nayberg gorgeous illustrations and humor make this title compelling, charming and emotional. The author's note is an extra bonus.
Highly recommended.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In both the story and in the afterward, the reader is encouraged to think about the things that immigrants bring with them. What is deemed important enough, weighty enough, portable enough, useful enough? And what happens if the item turns out to be of less use in the new home?

The personified typewriter is delightful, even though its story is sad. The illustrations have a photographic collage feel to them that adds to the vibe of a somewhat displaced and reassembled life that any immigrant must put together. Fortunately for the typewriter, the story isn't over even when it is replaced.

A book about journeys and building a life anew. Also reminds me that I keep making resolutions to build on my Russian skills, but I haven't gotten very far. Perhaps I need a Russian typewriter to help.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typewriter is a wonderful story with exquisite illustrations from Yevgenia Nayberg. The typewriter is brought from Russia but it ends up being neglected and *gasp* replaced by a laptop. The creative artwork helps tell the tale of woe. There’s both humor and heart in this amazing picture book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautifully written and illustrated story of an immigrant’s prized possession—and adapting to a new world after a big move. I love its subtlety and quiet humor.