You won’t want to miss learning about a children’s book written by best-selling author Ann Patchett and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. They make quite a team! Enjoy!
Dr. Toughlove has a question for you – Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? If you aren’t sure, and/or you need some assistance defining them, Dr. Toughlove suggests that you read The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts, written by Ann Patchett and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser.
If Ann Patchett’s name sounds familiar it may be because she is a New York Times best-selling novelist, who has just recently begun writing children’s books. As for Robin Preiss Glasser, her name may ring a bell because she illustrated Fancy Nancy, a delightful book Dr. Toughlove reviewed in May, 2023.
So, what makes this book so enchanting? It is the story of the Vert family, and as luck would have it there are two children, Esti (an outgoing extrovert) and Ivan (a quiet and shy introvert).
It is Ivan’s birthday, and Esti, in her indomitable style, is determined that Ian will have the birthday of her (not his) dreams – a boisterous celebration with lots of people, pets and general mayhem. Ian, on the other hand, would like to celebrate under a birthday fort (with a blanket overhead) with a book, his sister, and a few animals. Ian prefers not to be in the limelight, while Esti, the extrovert extraordinaire can’t get enough noise, fanfare and excitement. Does Esti remind you of Fancy Nancy?
Ann Patchett manages to depict these contrasting characters with charm, irony and wit. Robin Preiss Glasser uses her artistic gifts to make illustrations that jump off the page and compliment the words to perfection, while emanating energy, enthusiasm and empathy. Only a duo as talented as Patchett and Glasser could pull this off with aplomb and celebrate the strengths of both personality types.
Because the pictures are so eye-catching, children (and adults for that matter), will love to point out the nuances present in the illustrations. Excellent discussions can ensue, and the children will probably notice some items that the adults might miss. The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts provides multiple opportunities to draw inferences from the pictures (and words) presented.
The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts, written by Ann Patchett and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser is suggested for readers aged 4-8 and can be found at your local library.
Carol Franks-Randall, EdD is a retired educator, and has a doctorate in education. She is a children’s book author and podcast host, living in Centreville and writes children’s book reviews each month as Dr. Toughlove, one of the protagonists in her first book, Jamal and Me. Check out her website at https://carolfranksrandall.com.