David LaRochelle

LaRochelle creates a story here that is deeply rooted in the real coming out experience of a gay individual. He is able to convey the real painful emotions that a person feels when they are trying to make that choice to finally tell people. He also does a masterful job of conveying the fear that the character's parents has with their son being gay. In many instances the author takes what one would think and flips it around, such as the father being the most accepting of the main character.I show more recommend this book to anyone that is wanting to be challenged on their belief system on how gay people feel because LaRachelle gets it exactly right in this book. show less

See the cat, says the text. Except the illustration shows a dog ... a dog who is very flustered about being labeled as a cat.

Thus begins this very humorous early reader. It turns the standard tersely worded beginning reader format on its head by defying expectations about what you as the reader "see." It is both metafiction *and* breaks down the fourth wall, with the dog speaking back to the text and affecting the story this way.

This type of humor will go over really well with young readers show more and to be honest, it made me laugh out loud reading it. This is definitely designed for youngsters starting to read on their own, but I think it would also make for a good read aloud with a practiced reader getting all into the exaggerated emotions of the dog. show less

I really wanted to like this one. The illustrations are wonderful and the little girl with the pink rabbit so reminded me of myself as a child. Of course that could be part of the reason I didn’t care for this. Everyone worries some times and feel sad or lonely. It’s okay. The first thing this book does is tell you to put those feelings in a bucket. Go ahead, try. It isn’t that easy. Then there are lots of beautiful pictures and fun animal characters. One even makes the little girl’s show more favorite dessert so she can eat her feelings (see, here’s where it hits a little close to home). The author’s blurb in the back even states that he eats cookies when he’s feeling blue. Now, I’m not saying a tasty treat baked with love is a bad thing, but can we not pretend it solves any problems? It’s also okay to not be happy all the time. Being a kid is hard enough without that expectation. I will keep this book because of the illustrations and to remind myself of lessons it took me a lifetime to learn. show less

I am already a big fan of LaRochelle, usually because his books are so hilarious and clever, always storytime favorites and great for reading aloud. Isle of You is a different book though; it is rather quiet but loses none of LaRochelle's wit. The first pages start with a sad young child and an invitation to explore the "Isle of You" to turn things around. Depictions of the Isle are magical, fantastical and fun (pink forests, a castle, roller skating polar bears and of course lots of show more dessert). The narrator breaks the fourth wall and seems to be talking to both the character and the reader, allowing lots of opportunity for young readers to participate in the fun. It ends with affirmations of love and reassurance that this safe place is always there when you need it. But really, the best thing is the wordplay that I will admit I missed in my first reading but now can't unhear "....the next time you're feeling sad, remember...Isle of You" telling young readers to remember both the silly joy of a pretend happy place but also that they are loved, unconditionally and always. Isle of You...I Love You! show less