So Close

by Natalia Colombo

The story of Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit is a lesson to us all about reaching out. Every morning, Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit hurry past each other on their way to work and every evening they hurry past each other on their way home. Their paths cross in the town square and in the street and even in the park, but though both of them are dreadfully lonely, neither has the courage to speak.

With very simple text and gorgeous illustrations, Natalia Colombo has created a book that will challenge the reader to realize that friendships are precious and there are opportunities for friendship all around us, if only we pay attention.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Spanish Literature

24 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2010

About the author

Natalia Colombo, an illustrator and graphic designer, studied graphic design at the Universidad de Buenos Aires and has illustrated picture books published in ten countries. Her book Cerca was awarded the first International Compostela Prize by the Department of Education of the City Council of Santiago and Kalandraka.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Rabbit and Mr. Duck pass each other every day as they head off to work, and again on the way home. Think of the fun they could have if one of them dared to say "Hello!" to the other. Will it ever happen?

I liked the author's simple, yet adorable illustrations.

[Luís Almeida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple but with a powerful message about the importance of friendship vs. isolation. An urban tale to tell your children and to make YOU think.

[Caterina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peso ma bello.

[Betty-ann]

super cute!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una monada de arte y una historia que me ha hecho reflexionar sobre las decisiones que tomo en la vida. Al final una se arrepiente de lo que no hizo mas que lo que si hicimos.

[Jonas Neo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book two stars because the words are not clear for children to read

[Stephanie Nierste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the author didn't write many words in this book, the words the author wrote were powerful. Children will be able to learn the importance of actions and words when interacting with other people. The illustrations coincide with the text and each has a vivid point to get across to the reader. Children will be able to reason through each action as well as describe both negative and positive consequences.

*Fiction

[AbsentLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very simple story about the power of reaching out to one another and offering kindness just by saying hello. I can see this book being used as part of a lesson or as a prompt for an adult-led discussion with kids. As a stand alone read for kids, I am not sure it has the strength to capture their interest. It may be too subtle. Although it could be used for comparisons as well.

I liked the use of colour and the illustrations. Well done.

[EOL Juv Staff · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Close
By Natalia Colombo

This book is a great message for both parent and child to share together. It is a simple but sweet reminder that we are all very busy every day, but one a simple act could maybe create a new friendship that could otherwise never exist. It has fewer words than this review. Gotta love that!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A duck and a bunny pass each other every day and several times a day, but they never say, "Hello." A simple book about how friendship makes everything easier and how it is worth first step. Loads of repetition, cute illustrations that clearly illustrate the text, and a book about how we choose and make friends make this a great read aloud for ELLs.

[KidsFiction Teton County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teton County Library Call No: J Picture Colombo N
Kay's Rating: 4 stars

Very simple text and colorful illustrations, but the message is one we should remember daily. How wonderful is the word "Hello," or a friendly smile! Life begin within. Hi!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet drawings, excellent message about how we can be so close and so far from one another - let's connect!

[Julie Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars for really beautiful innovative art work, good moral/life skills point to the story, but not very engrossing.

[Sassafras · Rating 5 out of 5]

few words, but all carefully chosen to express 'what a difference one little word could make' "Hello"...fantastic

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story about becoming friends. Beautiful art.

[Susan]

Love the art. Love the simple text.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting illustrative style and important message about the power of saying "hello". Sweet read aloud for the primary grades.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great picture book, but I don't think it would work for storytime because the children would not be able to make the connections in the story

[Kate Readings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un cuento para niñas y niños que invita a la reflexión sobre las oportunidaded que tenemos día a día.

[Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combine with other duck rabbit books - "Duck Rabbit"
even with a Peter Rabbit book