Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Chester's Masterpiece
Picture Book Series
For ages 5 to 7
Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2010 ISBN: 978-1554535668
Chester the cat is up to his old tricks – again. This time he has stolen Melanie’s art supplies and her computer mouse so that she cannot write or illustrate any more children’s books. He plans on taking on the job all by himself.
Chester starts his story well enough until Melanie informs him - on a post-it note - that he cannot steal things from other people’s stories. Then he discovers that writing an original story is not that easy. Melanie offers to show Chester “the ingredients of a great story” if he will give her back her “stuff.” Chester refuses to take the bait. No, he will write the story himself.
Unfortunately Chester isn’t as good as Melanie when it comes to writing or illustrating a story. Again and again he runs into troubles, but this does not stop him from trying. Of course Melanie does not stop trying to get back her book either.
This hilarious book will delight readers who like quirky and unusual stories. The battle between Melanie and Chester is full of unexpected twists and turns, and just when you think Melanie has won, Chester pulls another fast one. From the beginning to the end of the story, including on the title pages and the book cover, Melanie with her post-it notes and Chester with his red marker try to get the better of one another – with hilarious results.
