Opposite Surprise

by Agnese Baruzzi, Agnese Baruzzi (Illustrator)

Overview

Everyone knows the sun is hot. But open the flaps in this book and you may find a chilly surprise instead! Each spread of this cleverly designed board book reveals a surprising opposite that makes for a truly original way for toddlers to learn about words and concepts. Whether it be hot or cold, clean or dirty, slow or fast, this book has you covered —at least until you open the flaps!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789888341375
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	04/01/2017
Pages:	30
Sales rank:	1,103,438
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 6.63(h) x 0.76(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Agnese Baruzzi, a graduate of the ISIA in Urbino in 2004, currently lives in Bologna, Italy. She is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including Aladdin, Count!, Opposites, The True Story of Little Red Riding Hood and Who's Hiding?

Editorial Reviews

"Cybils finalist Agnese Baruzzi is back with another fun fold-out board book, this one teaching opposites . . . . A clever concept, well-executed. We will be putting two copies in our collection!" —Ami Segna, amomssparetime.blogspot.com


"Agnese Baruzzi’s unique concept books goes beyond the usual clear-cut definitions of opposites to present a new way of looking at and interacting with the world. Her smart, colorful illustrations invite little readers to answer not only the prompted question, but to explore further . . . . a fantastic baby shower or new baby gift; a wonderful take-along for car rides, outings, or wait times; and an excellent addition to toddler’s bookshelves as well as library and classroom collections." —celebratepicturebooks.com


"True to form, Agnese uses a fun and innovative format in this board book. Each page spread shows an illustration that appears to be one thing, but reveals the opposite when the page is unfolded. A clever and unique way to introduce opposites." —Clarissa, booknerdmommy.com

From the Publisher

07/01/2017
Toddler-PreS—This inspired concept book introduces kids to the idea of opposites through a series of playful images that aren't quite what they appear to be. "Empty or full?" asks Baruzzi. The facing page depicts a seemingly empty fish tank but folds out to reveal a group of orange and red fish. Another page asks, "Hot or cold?" The facing page portrays a shining sun that folds out to become a dripping pair of Popsicles. Vibrant colors, simple objects, and an imaginative premise combine for a thought-provoking experience.

School Library Journal

★ 2017-04-17
A guessing game about opposites in a cleverly designed board book that epitomizes the maxim "show, don't tell." The rather abstract concept of opposites is successfully demonstrated in Baruzzi's whimsical, graphically flat cartoon illustrations. Older children will quickly learn the formula. The left-hand page of each spread poses a binary choice with the first option illustrated on the facing page. But pull the gatefolded page to the right, and it expands to a full 13-inch illustration of the second one. So a small blue truck is shown to be pulling a large blue-and-yellow excavator, one sheep is revealed to be part of a flock, closed window shutters open to a sunny view, etc. Opening each flap provides an "aha" moment, if not exactly a surprise. Most of the choices are obvious, though one might wonder why fish in an aquarium stay only in the hidden section and how a shirt came to be dirtied on only one side. Similarly, the thin pencil has no logical relationship to the wide bridge; the edges of the bridge just fold conveniently to create a yellow colored pencil. But these are small matters. With the text limited to just one three-word question ("Short or long?") per spread, young readers are allowed to use their own words to describe what pulling the flap reveals. This deceptively simple concept book is the opposite of confusing. (Board book. 1-3)

Kirkus Reviews