Zigzag. Robert D. San Souci. Illustrated by Stefan Czernecki. Vancouver, BC: Tradewind Books, 2005. 32 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-896580-43-2. Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 2-6. Review by Helen Norrie. ****/4 Reviewed from f&g’s.

excerpt:

"I'll name you Zigzag," said the dollmaker, as she finished sewing her new doll's mouth.

He was made of scraps. He was odd-looking, with spiky hair, patchwork clothes and tiny wings. His zigzag mouth made him look sad, but something about him made the dollmaker smile.

This picture book has only an average story, but it has exceptional illustrations. Stefan Czernicki's brilliant artwork has enhanced over 30 books for children. Zigzag is a book about patchwork dolls, and Czernicki's illustrations look like brilliant collages cut out of many-coloured fabric. Children can hardly help but be intrigued.

     The story is predictable: because Zigzag is different, he is pushed off the shelf by the other dolls. He falls into a wastebasket and is emptied into the street. Zigzag runs away and is picked up by an owl who drops Zigzag in a meadow when he realizes he's not good to eat. Zigzag meets a family of fieldmice who take him to their wise Papa Mouse. Papa Mouse suggests Zigzag meet the little girl who leaves crumbs for his children, and here at last Zigzag finds someone to love him.

     Robert D. San Souci has written over 60 picture books and short story collections for young readers. He has won several awards and created the screen story for the Disney film, Mulan. He lives in California in the San Francisco Bay area.

     Youngest readers, those between two and four, will enjoy the story as well as the pictures. Slightly older children, aged four to six, may find the story a little slight, but the illustrations will hold their attention.

Highly Recommended.

Helen Norrie is a former teacher-librarian who reviews children's books for the Winnipeg Free Press.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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