Frank Viva has created another brilliant book for kids here!

Wonderfull illustrations and cute story...I was so impressed with this simple yet memorable title that I ordered 2 more of Frank's previous offerings for my nephew and he loved them.

:)

Frank Viva is well known for illustrating The Boston Globe, The New Your Times, Time, and Esquire. His wonky illustrations translate well into children’s picture books. His first picture book was listed as one of The New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books of 2011. So, I did have high hopes when I received this free hardcover copy of Outstanding in the Rain.

The inside cover is a double-page spread of a fair ground. The title page shows a mother watching her son receive an ice cream from a vendor. On the next double spread, the cutouts begin. “‘Ice cream,’ I say, my birthday surprise!” reads the text. There is a hole cut below the word ice showing the word cream printed on the next page. When the reader turns the page, the hole flips to the other side and becomes part of the little boy’s face. He has dropped his ice cream and now screams with tears in his eyes. Behind the hole, the roof from the subway train is transformed into his teeth. This is a great beginning, grabbing the attention of a small child.

The story continues with mom and child going down a long slide. The text reads, “I shout in her ear this is one crazy ride! But that was her rear I just about cried.” The illustration does not depict the child talking into her “rear” very clearly. The text continues on like this, sometimes crisp and engaging, other times stumbling. But the holes are disappointing, none as clever as the first.

If this is a child’s first “hole” book, he or she will be enthralled with the technique. I have seen this done several times before, sometimes with great ingenuity. Pam Adams comes to mind. This is an okay book, but I would not call it “outstanding.” ( )

It takes more than a little rain to ruin this boys birthday. How much fun can be packed in before it really starts to pour? As it is with most die-cut books, this would work well as a one-on-one read aloud, but it would be difficult with a class. ( )

I received this book from the Early Reviewers. Good children's book but I recommend it for kids older than three as my friend's three-year old didn't quite understand it. Lots of fantastic pictures! ( )

There is a lot to look at in the illustrations of this picture book as a boy and his mother spend the day at a carnival. On first read I found the rhyming text unappealing, and the word play forced. However, someone then suggested reading it aloud, and I found the rhythm of the spoken word make it easier to ignore the weakness of the text. I am not sure what children would make of it. ( )