Synopsis: This very simple picture book takes one through the basics of nature versus nurture in the shaping of a child's personality.

Review: This very simple picture book takes one through the basics of nature versus nurture in the shaping of a child's personality. It may seem a lot to cram into one picture book aimed at three- to five-year-olds, but John Burningham has managed it! The book uses repetition and layout to impress upon the reader that a person has a tendency to act in just the way people expect him to act, and to believe what he is told about himself. Edwardo, a fairly ordinary child, first becomes a monstrous troublemaker and then a rather overworked angel, all through taking his elders' criticisms and praise to heart.

Although the message is poignant and very easy to grasp, I do wonder whether it is not more relevant to an adult reader than to a child- the viewpoint seems slightly skewed to me. That aside, the book is enjoyable, easy to follow, and humorous. The illustrations are fantastic- very similar to Quentin Blake's in style, and I would overall be happy to recommend this book.

2006-11-10