Mr.+Wuffles

By David Wiesner
Book Review By Adriana Lanzetti


 * __Biographical Information:__**
 * Age Range:** 4 - 8 years
 * Grade Level:** Preschool - 3
 * Hardcover:** 32 pages
 * Publisher:** Clarion Books; First Edition (October 1, 2013)
 * ISBN-13:** 978-0618756612

__**Summary:**__ Mr. Wuffles, is a black cat who just was given new toys from him owner. He doesn't seem amused by the toys but he does find a metal "house object" to cure his boredom. Inside the medal object (a space ship) are tiny, green traveling aliens. As Mr. Wuffles is carelessly kicking around their space ship, the aliens break free for safety under the radiator. Through the illustrations and comic style panels a story is created, the story contains no words or dialogue but the pictures tell it all. The pictures continue to tell the story of the aliens teaming up forces with the insects that live inside the walls. After the aliens befriend the insects, the two teams concoct a plan to tease the cat.

Mr. Wuffles is the first book that I have read that did not have any words. When I first looked at the book I couldn't imagine that the pictures could tell an story that was both interesting and creative. But, to my surprise the comic panels were able to tell a complete story. The story was able to include conflict, climax and resolution and all three parts were easily recognizable. The illustrations made the entire book possible, the illustrator was able to give the characters key and explicit facial expressions and body language that pieced the story together. I think this book was a wonderful example of how illustrations can tell a story and how the display of physical characteristics and emotions of a character are so very important to a story.
 * __Review:__**

__**Analysis of a literary element:**__ The obvious literary element of this story would have to be the illustrations. Since this story did not use words to tell its story, the book relied solely on illustrations. The illustrations were made up of both regular pictures as well as comic panels. Both playing a significant role to the story. The regular pictures gave us insight as to what the cat was doing, as well as how the cat was feeling, where as the comic panels gave the audience insight on what the aliens and the insects were plotting and how they were feeling. The illustrator also used great detail when using the illustrations to portray the physical and emotional characteristics of the aliens. It was obvious that each illustration was thoroughly planned out and a key element when it came to telling the story. David Wiesner was born February 5, 1956. He is an illustrator and writer of children's' books and is known best for picture books. His work includes many books that tell stories without words. As an illustrator he has won three Caldecott Medals recognizing the year's "most distinguished American picture book for children" He also was one of five finalists in 2008 for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest recognition available for creators of children's books.
 * __Author Biography:__**

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