BOOKS

Toto's Apple

by Mathieu LAVOIE
tr. from French. illus. by Mathieu Lavoie. 64p. Phaidon. Aug. 2016. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780714872513.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Toto is a worm with a dream. He wants an apple but can't seem to reach it. After he makes several failed attempts requiring clever disguises, Didi, a young girl, gets the precious apple instead. Hope is not lost when the girl drops the fruit, and Toto makes his move. Whether the end result (Toto and his apple together, in Didi's stomach) is good or bad could be open to interpretation. Toto certainly looks happy on the final page. The minimalist illustrations highlight the determined worm and clearly depict Toto's elaborate plans. The text is similarly spare, in a large font that contrasts well with each background, making reading easy. The ingenious schemes are not explained but are obvious from the illustrations. While the final joke may turn some people off, most kids will probably find it amusing.
VERDICT An acceptable addition to most collections, just right for an autumn- or apple-themed storytime.
Reviewed by Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Fort Thomas, KY , Oct 01, 2016

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