FICTION

The One And Only Dylan St. Claire

by Kamen Edwards (text) & illus. by Jeffrey Ebbeler
Doubleday. May 2020. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781984893468.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–When self-proclaimed star Dylan St. Claire is cast as a squirrel in his school’s outer space play, he is very disappointed about his perceived rejection. A shy classmate convinces Dylan that the squirrel (an astronaut) is a very important role in the production, and from there on out he embraces it wholeheartedly. In this debut, Edwards presents Dylan as a zippy, clever character who is endearing and has a flair for the dramatic. Ebbeler’s acrylic full spreads are bright and colorful, and include a diverse cast of characters. In the end, Dylan makes the role of the squirrel his own and his uniqueness is celebrated in the closing line. Perhaps there’s another lesson in the fact that he steals the spotlight from his less outgoing friends who were given more coveted roles.
VERDICT A pleasant story for outgoing children and natural born scene-stealers, though educators may want to point out that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine.
Reviewed by Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA , May 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness
by McCullogh, Joy
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?