Neville by Norton Juster illustrated by G Brian Karas

"Yeah, sure, he mumbled, like you can make new friends by just walking down the block."

Book Trailer by Julie O'Brien source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5M4Rzo88YU

Neville is new in town. He is worried about the new school and he is worried about having no friends. He comes up with an ingenious plan. He stands in the street and calls out a name Neville. Another boy comes along and offers to help. Gradually more and more kids turn up and everyone joins the hunt for Neville.

"I hope we find Neville.
Even if we don't, I like his new friend a lot.
Maybe BETTER!
Hey, what was his name?
Oh, we'll have to ask him tomorrow."

I first read about Neville when I was exploring books to read alongside our CBCA short listed titles for 2018.  Neville was mentioned to read with Florette by Anna Walker which also explores the theme of finding friends in a new city. Of course Neville is also by the wonderful Norton Juster.  Neville was published in 2011 but it is still available and I think it would be a very good addition to any school library collection. Take a look here to see the illustrator talking about the creation of this book.

The ending has the perfect mix of predictability and surprise – kids will feel like they’re in on the secret, which can be a strong hook. 100 Scope Notes

One aspect writing this blog that I find surprising and so rewarding is the discovery of authors and illustrators and their works.  G Brian Karas is the illustrator of a large number of books and I was surprised to discover some I already new such as the High-Rise Private Eye series, Throw your tooth on the Roof, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! and Ivan the remarkable story of a shopping Mall Gorilla.

"The big gray van pulled away from the curb, moved slowly down the street, and disappeared around the corner. Now it was quiet, and there he was, where he really didn't want to be."

Neville was the 2013 winner of an award I have never heard of. It started in 1985 and seems to have ended in 2015. I did find this list of past winners.  It was good to see some familiar titles which we do have in our school library.  Here is a description of the Please Touch Museum Book Award :

Established in 1985, the Please Touch Museum’s Book Awards have been unique in highlighting some of the best examples of storytelling for young children that help foster a life-long love of reading. All book selections are distinguished in text, illustration and ability to explore and clarify an idea or concept for young children 7 and under.