Written by the acclaimed author of The Phantom Tollbooth, this is a simply told story about a boy who moves to a new neighborhood and finds ...
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Feb 09, 2012
Sarah
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Neville by Norton Juster is a wonderful tale of a little boy who finds new friends in a unexpected way. Having moved to a new city once again, Neville is certain that he will be made fun of in his new school and remain friendless. When his mother suggest taking a walk down the street, he reluctantly goes only to be met with a surprise. When out of boredom the little boy starts to shout, "Neville!", a crowd of children start to appear and help him should out, "Neville!, Neville!"
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Jan 17, 2012
Megan
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 30, 2011
Dolly
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The difficulties of moving and making new friends is explored in this unusual story by Norton Juster and G. Brian Karas. It was a night of G. Brian Karas for us, as we also read Give Me Half!.
We enjoyed this story, and while the ending was completely obvious to me, our girls were a bit surprised. We had some fun imagining how Neville would explain himself the next day, but it certainly was a unique way to introduce yourself and get people to remember your name.
Since w More...
We enjoyed this story, and while the ending was completely obvious to me, our girls were a bit surprised. We had some fun imagining how Neville would explain himself the next day, but it certainly was a unique way to introduce yourself and get people to remember your name.
Since w More...
Nov 05, 2011
Richie
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7 June 2011 NEVILLE by Norton Juster and G. Brian Karas, ill, Schwartz & Wade, October 2011, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-375-86765-1
"It's summer which means many families will be moving from one house to another or one town or state to another."
So begins the listserv request seeking great books for preschool- and elementary-age boys and girls about moving. Moving is, of course, traumatic because it typically involves losing the sanctuary of familiar surroundings to More...
"It's summer which means many families will be moving from one house to another or one town or state to another."
So begins the listserv request seeking great books for preschool- and elementary-age boys and girls about moving. Moving is, of course, traumatic because it typically involves losing the sanctuary of familiar surroundings to More...
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Feb 21, 2012
Josiah
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Norton Juster's distinguished writing career has seen a nice resurgence in the first decade of the twenty-first century, with the release of several picture books that I think could someday be as highly regarded as his most famous work, The Phantom Tollbooth. Of all these latter-day picture books, I'd have to say that Neville is probably my favorite. I could see it as having been a legitimate Caldecott contender for 2012, and the story is smart, funny, and matches the feeling of the illustrat
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Jan 18, 2012
Jess
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I picked this one up after it made Calling Caldecott's mock ballot list, and I'm glad I did. It's one of those stories where the text tells the story but the illustrations convey the mood. There's a fun reveal at the end for readers who miss the clues. I for one was coming up with all kinds of more outrageous explanations for why the boy was shouting "Neville!" and of course had to read it through again once I got to the end.
Plus, a second read makes you notice the details More...
Plus, a second read makes you notice the details More...
Nov 19, 2011
Laura
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I picked this up because the cover grabbed my attention. It wasn't until I got home that I realized it was written by the author of the Phantom Tollbooth. Norton Juster has such a unique way of making words have a life of their own. For example, when the boy goes to the corner and shouts "Neville!"--it is just in plain blue and gray. Another boy joins and as they shout together, the words become more stylish and each child has a different font. When a third joins in and the shouti
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Jan 11, 2012
Jennifer
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My day was a bit grey before I picked this up, and now after reading it, oddly enough, I feel bashful. (As in little girl with arms crossed behind her back, hands clasped, swinging to-and-fro, eyes downcast-- or upward-- looking anywhere but at you, bashful.) Strange as it may sound, I think it has to do with the fact that I feel as though I've just met and made a new friend named Neville by simply reading this book. Oh, the magic of a well-written story. (=
(Not to discount the il More...
(Not to discount the il More...
Dec 19, 2011
H
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I read this excellent new picture book to a class of 5th graders who asked their teacher if I would read to them after they heard my vocabualry shtick with the kindergarteners (we learn a new word from our book each week and we act out all the words - woohoo - stomping in the library!). They LOVED this story about a boy who makes his mark as the new kid in the neighborhood, and the opportunity to join in as the many kids in the book shout for "Neville" made the book a great join in re
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Dec 15, 2011
Susie
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Great story, great illustrations. How fitting that as we celebrate the 50th year of Phantom Toolbooth, we have another great story from Juster. A student weary of being the new guy finds an innovative way to become part of the neighborhood.
I liked the way that as the story started, the illustrations were somewhat bleak and simple, and as Nevile became more involved with others, the pictures changed to "technicolor", almost as the transformation in the "Wizard of Oz" More...
I liked the way that as the story started, the illustrations were somewhat bleak and simple, and as Nevile became more involved with others, the pictures changed to "technicolor", almost as the transformation in the "Wizard of Oz" More...
Feb 23, 2012
Erin
rated it:
I like this book because it would be a great book to great out loud and it has good story line about finding new friends after having to move to a new city and a new school. On his first day in his new home, he walks around the neighborhood and screams “Neville!” Soon, other kids join him in trying to call out to this person, who we assume is the little boy’s friend. He goes home content, and his mom tells him, “Goodnight, Neville.” I would recommend this book for anyone in a similar situation,
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Nov 16, 2011
Tasha
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This story about a boy moving to a new place will speak to any child who has had to move. The boy was never asked by his family if he wanted to move, he just got told that they were. Now he had to move into a new house and go to a new school, and worst of all, find new friends. His mother suggested that he go for a walk, so he did, very reluctantly. After he walked for awhile, he turned around and called out: “Neville!” Nothing happened. He did it again and again. Then another boy joined
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Oct 26, 2011
Scope
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You're the new kid.
Ugh. Doesn't that sentence bum you out? We are such social creatures that arriving in an unfamilar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people can throw us into despair and leave a lasting impression. Did you move to a new town as a kid? I did, and I can still remember it like yesterday. In Neville, Norton Juster and G. Brian Karas take a crack at this familiar situation. The results are a charming, clever, and an undeniable success.
A boy arrives in a new to More...
Ugh. Doesn't that sentence bum you out? We are such social creatures that arriving in an unfamilar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people can throw us into despair and leave a lasting impression. Did you move to a new town as a kid? I did, and I can still remember it like yesterday. In Neville, Norton Juster and G. Brian Karas take a crack at this familiar situation. The results are a charming, clever, and an undeniable success.
A boy arrives in a new to More...
Jun 30, 2011
Marika
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When a boy moves to a new neighborhood he is certain that everything is going to be horrible. The worst part? No friends. When his mother tells him to go for a walk, whatever will he do? With no one to play with and no one to talk to, the boy begins calling for Neville. Soon, other kids have heard him and begin calling as well. Before you know it, the entire neighborhood is out calling for Neville- whoever Neville is. Norton Juster has done it again-- Neville is a unique text with a brilliant en
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Nov 10, 2011
Karen
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Neville moved to a new town and is afraid he won't have any friends. He walks to the corner of his block and starts calling for Neville. Kids join him and call for Neville, too. A great story for someone moving or starting at a new school. the pictures are beautifully illustrated, with some very small pictures on the page, some pages with many different styles of text saying Neville, and some full page spreads. Soft colors add to the wish of belonging.
Jan 03, 2012
Sandybear76
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A boy has moved into a new neighborhood and he is afraid that the neighbor kids won't like him. He goes for a walk and starts shouting for Neville. First another boy comes to help, then a girl, and then more and more kids. They ask questions about Neville and really want to meet him. But soon the kids have to go home as darkness begins to falls. The boy walks home in a happier mood. His mom tells him good night.
Jan 04, 2012
Kim
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"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 to be." The picture that goes with the first page of this book is as sad and lonely as the text. I world where so many kids move so many times, this important books reminds us to reach out to those new to our community.
Feb 05, 2012
Shelli
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So apparently the way to make friends when you first move into a new neighborhood is to stand on a street corner and scream your name. Maybe this is why I do not have a great deal of friends. Perhaps I will do this one day. If I don't find friendship possibly someone will come with a shiny new straight jacket instead. That is almost as good right?
Dec 05, 2011
Amy
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This would be a great book to read if a new student is introduced to the class. The main character is not happy about the move to a new town, so he stands on a corner and begins yelling for Neville, soon many other children join in. The main character makes new friends and his name is revealed at the end: Neville. Too cute!
Jan 21, 2012
Amy
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Who knew that crying out the name of your very best friend over and over could gain you a group of new friends that would love the never truly introduced character of "Neville." Loved it! Explores the feelings that all of us experience when we are new,feel uncomfortable, and just want to go home.
May 15, 2011
Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)
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Neville moves to a new house, in a new town. His mother encourages him to take a walk around the block. Can Neville meet anyone is this way? Juster's text and Karas' illustrations work together to make a book that made me smile and giggle just a bit.
Dec 13, 2011
Shannon
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4 for the story, 3 for the art. My kids liked it and noted that many books this year (Hound Dog True, Moving House, this one) are about moving. Is that a trend, or have children's books always dealt with moving with this frequency?
Nov 17, 2011
Tracie
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The beloved author of The Phantom Tollbooth returns with a charming picture book about a lonely boy who devises a clever scheme for making friends in his new neighborhood. Vivid mixed-media illustrations complement the text.
Feb 04, 2012
Lindsey
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Neville is the new kid in the neighborhood and is having trouble fitting it. He eventually finds fun ways to make friends. This book is perfect for a new student or even a student who is having trouble making friends.
Jan 12, 2012
Becky
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A little boy has unwillingly been moved to a new place. Boy, does it stink to be the new kid on the block! But he has an unusual way of meeting the other kids in the neighborhood. This would be a good K-2 readaloud.
Nov 14, 2011
Alyson
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What a clever take on the adjusting to moving story. Love the anonymous looking neighborhood but distinctive looking kids. Read this at storytime and lots of kids will be yelling "Neville!"
Oct 26, 2011
Library
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It's tough to move into a new house in a new neighborhood where you don't know anyone, but Neville finds a unique way to meet people in the neighborhood. A delight!
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Jan 25, 2012
Mary
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No offense to Norton Juster, but it's the illustrations that make this book. And I really don't appreciate the ad over my edit box, Goodreads.
Jan 07, 2012
Samantha
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I liked this story about the difficulties of making new friends after a move. Karas does an excellent job with the illustrations.
Feb 04, 2012
Carol
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Too few books exist to help kids with the reality or concept of moving. This opens the door with humor, reassurance, and support.
