Review: Oh, No! by Candace Fleming

Oh, No!
By Candace Fleming
Illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Schwartz & Wade (Random House)

ISBN: 9780375842719
$17.99
Grades K-2
In Stores

*Best New Book*

Find it at:
Schuler Books | Your Library

It makes sense, doesn’t it? Pair a great author with a great illustrator and you get…something great? Indeed, Oh, No! is well crafted from top to bottom. The ever-versatile Candace Fleming joins Caldecott Medal winner Eric Rohmann to create a fine example of a big name team-up done right. It makes the majority of picture books that come on the scene pale in comparison.

Tiger is the villain. Stalking through the thick bamboo of the jungle, he chases a frog into a trap:

Frog fell into a deep, deep hole.
Ribbit-oops!
Ribbit-oops!
Frog fell into a deep, deep hole.
Ribbit-oops!

When mouse comes to lend a hand, he falls in as well, causing a chain reaction among the other animals. Soon mouse is joined by loris, sun bear, and monkey. Tiger is just about to pounce, when an unexpected visitor turns the tables on the big cat.

The text, mixing story and sound, is playful – full of signature Fleming repetition.

There’s a completeness to this book that stands out. The artwork begins telling the story on the front endpapers and works seamlessly with the text. The story takes the repeated refrain and flips it for the conclusion, adding an unexpected and satisfying twist.

The illustrations are done in relief print, using rich earth tones. The artwork plays with perspective in large two page spreads, then focuses on movement by breaking onto panels.

When you open Oh, No!, you realize you’re in the hands of a couple pros. This is a book that should not be overlooked. Find it on “Best of 2012″ lists far and wide.

Review copy from the publisher.

Also reviewed by Pink Me.