Distracted by Flora and Ulysses

Holy unanticipated occurrences!  Last week I was distracted from a good book (Peter and the Starcatchers) by a better book.  Okay, it wasn't unanticipated because it happens to me quite often, but that is Flora Buckman's favorite line from her favorite comic, which guides her when she discovers a squirrel with super powers.  Yes, you read that right.  A squirrel with super powers.  Bet you didn't anticipate that, did you!

In Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures there are many unanticipated occurrences and it all begins with a vacuum cleaner, a squirrel and a natural born cynic named Flora.  There is a wacky cast of characters including a self absorbed romance writer, an air head neighbor, an emotionally traumatized great-nephew next door and a sad, sad father.  They all tip toe right up to the line of being too wacky but only cross the line a little and in such silly ways I loved them for it.  In fact, I won't even try to give you a plot synopsis because honestly, it's a simple and predictable plot but a joy to read and discover on your own.

Kate DiCamillo books are always wonderful read alouds, but this one is just BEGGING for a dramatic reading.  I gave it to my brilliant eight year old for Christmas and we've had a terrific time either reading alone or together.  This is a great book for sitting close on the sofa so you can both see the pictures but leave plenty of room for dramatic gestures which you'll probably find necessary as you read.    The illuminations (illustrations) are basic yet expressive and they really enhance the humor.  Honestly, it's hard to capture the funny wonderfulness of Flora and Ulysses in a review.  You have to read it for yourself.  :)

Click here to learn more about Flora and Ulysses.