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Pixar Animation Studios Artist Showcase
Over There
Shredder is a little shrew who lives by himself, and while he loves his forest home, he gets a bit lonely. There must be something more, he thinks. So when he sees a "silver line twinkling in the distance," he decides to find out what it is. He discovers a beautiful stream, but then he gets caught up in the current! Luckily, a mole named Nosey saves him. As they explore, Shredder begins to miss the forest, so he and Nosey return together, and Shredder realizes that all he really needed was a friend.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2014
11 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 25, 2018
Too long for very young children but the art was amazing.
May 10, 2016
Sweet little story about a mole and friendship. The illustrations are beautiful!
December 8, 2017
This Author is a Pixar Illustrator. So the pictures are over the top fabulous illustrations. The words are not quite as strong. But the feeling conveyed by the Drawings shines through regardless. A really charming final page.
December 6, 2022
This is the first of the books but the last one I read. (I read in reverse order.) In all honesty, I’m glad I read in the order I did because I otherwise wouldn’t have read this book. I read it to be a complete-it’s. Very glad I read this book!! Beautiful artwork, heartwarming story.
March 22, 2018
A cute little tale about friendship and finding adventure. I love the details in the artwork. A beautiful book to explore.
June 26, 2018
What a sweet story of finding friendship!
July 27, 2018
A cute story.
November 9, 2019
TOPICS:
* friendship
* loneliness
* adventure
* moles
* shrews
* friendship
* loneliness
* adventure
* moles
* shrews
January 3, 2020
Five-star illustrations with a sweet little story. The story might be a little too slight for 5 stars overall, but it’s still quite nice.
March 25, 2021
I really enjoyed the story as well as the expectedly wonderful illustration. We all need companionship sometimes.
May 19, 2021
Beautiful artwork enhances the sweet story of friends and companionship.
May 22, 2021
This book is absolute perfection. The artwork is amazing, the story is adorable... and it just leaves a big smile on your face :)
May 3, 2022
Love the story and the deep rich colors of the illustrations.
October 1, 2016
The shrew understands life's deeper questions.
October 28, 2014
Shredder lives all by himself in the big forest. He has a cozy bed in a matchbox under a maple tree, he has plenty to eat which means worms since he’s a shrew, and he has a pet acorn. But acorns can’t talk and Shredder felt that something was missing. So he sets off to see if there is something more out there. Seeing a twinking in the distance, he heads out to see what it is. After a long journey all night, it turns out to be a tiny silver boat and Shredder climbs aboard. But the boat doesn’t float for long. Happily, just as Shredder disappears under the water, a hand reaches out to save him. It’s a mole, named Nosey. As the two of them spend time together, Shredder starts to realize that he has found “something more” after all.
Pilcher’s story is straight forward and speaks directly to loneliness and the journey to find a new friend. He incorporates clever elements that create wonderful quiet moments in the book. The time that Shredder spends with his silent acorn pet, the question of what the shining thing in the distance is, the floating moments on the water, the warmth of new friendship.
What is most special about the book though is the art. Done by Disney Press as part of their Pixar Animation Studios Artist Showcase, it will come as no surprise that the entire book reads like an animated movie. The backgrounds on the page have a cinematic depth to them. Shredder himself is immensely likeable as a character, a tiny shrew often dwarfed by the world around him.
A fine picture book, this book is very appealing thanks to its friendly art and the jolly adventure at its heart. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Pilcher’s story is straight forward and speaks directly to loneliness and the journey to find a new friend. He incorporates clever elements that create wonderful quiet moments in the book. The time that Shredder spends with his silent acorn pet, the question of what the shining thing in the distance is, the floating moments on the water, the warmth of new friendship.
What is most special about the book though is the art. Done by Disney Press as part of their Pixar Animation Studios Artist Showcase, it will come as no surprise that the entire book reads like an animated movie. The backgrounds on the page have a cinematic depth to them. Shredder himself is immensely likeable as a character, a tiny shrew often dwarfed by the world around him.
A fine picture book, this book is very appealing thanks to its friendly art and the jolly adventure at its heart. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
March 18, 2015
Over There by Steve Pilcher is a story that everyone can relate to their own experiences. The story follows a small shrew named Shredder. Shredder lives all by himself in the woods. He seems to be content until one day he sings a little song to himself and realizes there is no one to sing back or to share the moment with. So Shredder sets out on adventure to find a friend and to see if the grass is greener on the other side, over there.
Shredder starts his journey over there by using a piece of foil as a boat. Not too far into his journey his boat begins to capsize. Then all of a sudden he is saved by a new stranger, Nosey, a mole with the potential to be a new friend. The two go back to Nosey's home which is very exciting to Shredder. Shredder and Nosey become friends. But they are soon visited by a giant shadow, and then two work out boots, worn by a human. This sets Nosey and Shredder off onto a new adventure, somewhere over there.
This is a great book for children because it has that sense of adventure within its text. It is entertaining to wonder what will happen next on this journey for these two new friends. The story was very nicely written with great transitions and an overall interesting plot. The illustrations in this text were beautifully done. This is a book that I would highly recommend reading to younger readers.
Shredder starts his journey over there by using a piece of foil as a boat. Not too far into his journey his boat begins to capsize. Then all of a sudden he is saved by a new stranger, Nosey, a mole with the potential to be a new friend. The two go back to Nosey's home which is very exciting to Shredder. Shredder and Nosey become friends. But they are soon visited by a giant shadow, and then two work out boots, worn by a human. This sets Nosey and Shredder off onto a new adventure, somewhere over there.
This is a great book for children because it has that sense of adventure within its text. It is entertaining to wonder what will happen next on this journey for these two new friends. The story was very nicely written with great transitions and an overall interesting plot. The illustrations in this text were beautifully done. This is a book that I would highly recommend reading to younger readers.
May 7, 2015
This book is about a shrew named Shredder that lives in a forest. He has made quite a home for himself underneath the roots of an old maple tree. Shredder has everything one might thinks he needs and wants, but he is extremely lonely. One day Shedder noticed a shiny object and figured that someone or something was out there more for him. Indeed there was. Shedder met a mole named Nosey and they quickly became friends, and Shredder introduced him to his forest home.
I personally thought this was an okay book. Shredder's adventure to find his new friend would be great for a socialization lesson. Many students could use this book as a way of understanding and to help them see that there is more to the world that can be right before one's eyes.
Over There is a Caldecott Honor book. The illustrations are phenomenal. The setting is mostly dark, but brings attention the the subject of each page by making it the brightest object on the page. There is a lot of detail put into the forest from each tree, to rock, and to Shrew. The illustrations portray a real forest through paintings. I enjoy paintings that are realistic and make it hard to tell if it is a photograph or painting. The pictures also make you want to look for hidden objects throughout the settings.
I personally thought this was an okay book. Shredder's adventure to find his new friend would be great for a socialization lesson. Many students could use this book as a way of understanding and to help them see that there is more to the world that can be right before one's eyes.
Over There is a Caldecott Honor book. The illustrations are phenomenal. The setting is mostly dark, but brings attention the the subject of each page by making it the brightest object on the page. There is a lot of detail put into the forest from each tree, to rock, and to Shrew. The illustrations portray a real forest through paintings. I enjoy paintings that are realistic and make it hard to tell if it is a photograph or painting. The pictures also make you want to look for hidden objects throughout the settings.
Read
November 11, 2014Over There by Steve Pilcher
Pilcher, S. (2014). Over There. Disney Press.
Shredder, a little shrew who lives very much alone in all of the forest, embarks on his journey of finding his place in this world. He explores what lies beyond the familiar forest and discovers that the world isn’t as scary of a place when there is a friend by your side.
Class Activity: This book is perfect for showing young children (preK-1st grade) how simple friendships can be. The main character, Shredder, is very likeable and relatable, and this book can be used as a tool to facilitate higher-level thinking by engaging in discussions about “what it means to be a friend.” Asking questions like, “how did Shredder respond to Nosey when…,” “how can you show someone that you want to be their friend,” those type of questions that really help younger children learn how to socially adapt in and out of school. It’s not always easy making friends, and this book has the potential to give them the social foundation that they need.
Pilcher, S. (2014). Over There. Disney Press.
Shredder, a little shrew who lives very much alone in all of the forest, embarks on his journey of finding his place in this world. He explores what lies beyond the familiar forest and discovers that the world isn’t as scary of a place when there is a friend by your side.
Class Activity: This book is perfect for showing young children (preK-1st grade) how simple friendships can be. The main character, Shredder, is very likeable and relatable, and this book can be used as a tool to facilitate higher-level thinking by engaging in discussions about “what it means to be a friend.” Asking questions like, “how did Shredder respond to Nosey when…,” “how can you show someone that you want to be their friend,” those type of questions that really help younger children learn how to socially adapt in and out of school. It’s not always easy making friends, and this book has the potential to give them the social foundation that they need.
March 11, 2015
Shredder is a shrew who has a good life and everything he needs, but he feels a little lonely. He feels there should be something more. So he sets out to find the answer to, what else could there be? He meets a mole named Nosey. They have a lot in common and become friends. Life is now uncommonly good.
All I can say about these illustrations is, wow! Just wow. They are beautiful, colorful, serene, and rich. I want to keep looking at the pictures over and over.
This story is simple, but beautifully worded. The words flow like a gentle stream until the conclusion when you smile and are happy for the new friends. You feel their joy even though it is a quiet joy. This book is advertized for ages 3-5. I highly recommend this book. I think even ages 6 and 7 would enjoy it. Because of its quiet tone, it would make a great bedtime story.
All I can say about these illustrations is, wow! Just wow. They are beautiful, colorful, serene, and rich. I want to keep looking at the pictures over and over.
This story is simple, but beautifully worded. The words flow like a gentle stream until the conclusion when you smile and are happy for the new friends. You feel their joy even though it is a quiet joy. This book is advertized for ages 3-5. I highly recommend this book. I think even ages 6 and 7 would enjoy it. Because of its quiet tone, it would make a great bedtime story.
July 9, 2015
This is a sweet little tale of a journey away from home and finding friendship. The story itself is a generous three stars, but the art is supremely gorgeous and lush with rich nature details and a cute, sweet shrew that evokes everything from The Hobbit (bravery and adventure) to Wall-E (loneliness and adorableness). Can't wait to see more of what Pixar artists have in store! (Thanks to workmate and children's librarian extraordinaire Anne F. for the recommendation!)
September 22, 2014
With its green background, large yellow letters, and cute little mole peeking out from the leaves, the cover invites us to discover what is "over there." Simple text, arranged effectively, takes us on the journey. I was a bit confused by the water - it looked more like feathers to me. Nice for helping youngsters figure out how to make a new friend!
February 28, 2015
The forest was just a little too lonely so a little shrew named Shredder went out to discover if there was something waaaayy over there where that shiny object sparkled. There was something! He found adventure and a new friend. This beautifully illustrated book by Steve Pilcher is a quiet read for bedtime or anytime you need a gentle story for children age 2 - 7.
July 12, 2015
A charming book about a little shrew who bravely strikes out in search of something more in the woods and finds a friend in a mole. The story is sweet, but the standout is the illustrations (as I would expect from a Disney Pixar Animation artist).
October 7, 2014
Oh, this is a keeper. It's a beautifully illustrated book, just a beauty. Even the font and the way the words seem to fit between leaves on some pages help tell this story of a little shrew named Shredder who has a wonderful adventure. This book makes me smile all over!
November 11, 2014
wonderful new children's picture book. The illustrations speak for themselves, but Shredder the shrew is a beautful creature you cant but hope finds a happy ending. If only we all took risks like shrew.
April 18, 2015
a little long but breaking up by talking about the pictures would make it work for storytime. A mouse is lonely and decides to travel out to see what else is out there. He makes friends with a mole along the way and that makes his world better because now he has someone to play pretend with.
September 23, 2014
Sweet and quiet story, but not especially standout in my opinion.
October 7, 2014
A simple story about exploring, adventures and ultimately, friendship!
November 12, 2014
Because everything is better with a friend. Lush, gorgeous illustrations make this slightly wordy picture book perfect for one-on-one sharing.
December 11, 2014
I loved the illustrations, the cute little shrew named Shredder, and his new friend, Nosey! What a sweet way to show that we all need a friend sometimes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews