I Want to Be a Vase #BookReview #childrensbook #picturebook #kidsbook #kidlit @simonkids #bookworm @glanderco

Synopsis from Simon & Schuster:

Former SNL writer and comedic rising star Julio Torres takes readers on a journey through the lives and intimate dramas of some of the unsung shapes of our time in this picture book inspired by his HBO special My Favorite Shapes.

Shapes. You’ve heard of them. You might have even interacted with a few. But do you really know them? From plucky Plunger, who wishes to defy his shape and become a beautiful vase, to other household objects with dreams of a life beyond their predestined roles, I Want to Be a Vase takes readers on an essential and visually stunning journey through the lives and intimate dramas of often-overlooked household appliances.

About: I Want to Be a Vase is a children’s fiction written by Julio Torres and illustrated by Julian Glander. It will be published on 6/7/2022 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of SimonKids, paperback, 48 pages. The genres are children’s fiction, social themes, and sizes/shapes. This book is intended for readers ages 4 to 8, grades P to 3. According to the publisher’s website, “Little Simon publishes innovative books for young children. Among our award-winning and bestselling titles are Sandra Boynton’s The Going to Bed Book, Karen Katz’s Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?, Robert Sabuda’s The Wizard of Oz pop-up, and David Carter’s The Happy Little Yellow Box. Little Simon’s Classic Board Book collection features timeless favorites perfectly designed for the youngest of readers, such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and Little Quack.” Please see below for more information about the author, illustrator, and publisher.

My Experience: I started reading I Want to Be a Vase for my toddler’s bedtime on 4/4/2022 and we finished it that same night. We have since read it again a few times per my toddler’s requests. A great read, this book just made me smile every time I read it because I smiled every time my toddler said she wanted to be a bookshelf. It’s cute and unexpected at the same time. I liked the plunger’s determination to be who it wanted to be despite the disagreement of others. It can be a good reminders to young readers to be free to choose what they want to do or be when they grow up. Even adults reading this book for their kids, this story can influence readers that a job isn’t set in stone. They can always change it if they wanted to. I liked the illustrations. It’s different from what I’m used to.

This book followed a plunger. It wanted to be a vase. All other items in the bathroom couldn’t believe the statement coming from the plunger. They disagreed that it would be impossible. The plunger explained that it’s a plunger now but it wanted to switch jobs to become a vase even though it wasn’t made to be a vase. Then the plunger went on to prove everyone wrong. It left the bathroom and went into the kitchen. It held up flowers on its handle. The pot was influenced by the plunger and wanted to be a trash can. Then the coat rack wanted to be a toilet paper holder, a hair dryer wanted to be a vacuum cleaner, and etc. At the end, there’s a surprise from the book!

I Want to Be a Vase was a fun read. How confusing would it be to have all household items started doing different jobs than they have been. Though, it might not be impossible because I have used a cup to drink, as a vase, to hold new plants until the roots comes out, and to water my indoor plants sometimes. The idea of this book was different and I enjoyed the read. I’m not sure I agree with how the plunger should hold the flowers because there’s no place to hold water to keep it fresh, unless it’s holding up fake flowers. The humor was good with different items in the house and their new job interests. My toddler liked the opening of the story with the faraway view of tall buildings and then the close-up of the room and then the bathroom. I recommend everyone to read this unique story!

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository or Simon & Schuster’s website

About the Author and Illustrator:

Julio Torres is a comedian, the creator of the HBO special My Favorite Shapes, and has written for Saturday Night Live. He’s also one of the masterminds behind Los Espookys, HBO’s Spanish-language comedy about a group of horror enthusiasts. Visit him on Instagram @SpacePrinceJulio (Photo and info obtained from Simon & Schuster’s website, book pictures obtained from Edelweiss).

Julian Glander is a 3D animator, designer, and illustrator. Mostly self-taught, he has created work for Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Adult Swim, and The New York Times. He is also the creator of the video game Art Sqool and the squishy comics collection 3D Sweeties. Visit him at Glander.co (Photo and info obtained from Simon & Schuster’s website).

More Information About Simon Kids

Website: http://simonandschusterpublishing.com/little-simon/| Instagram: www.instagram.com/simonkids | Twitter: www.twitter.com/simonkids

***Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,

Jasmine