Nessie

by Ilse De Keyzer, Dana Martens (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Animals, Adventure

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nessie was fine, and would make a fun read-aloud (sure to end with young readers longing for pancakes), but I found it underwhelming as a whole. The way figures were drawn didn't seem coherent with the way the landscape was drawn. I liked the conceit of only Rhona being able to see Nessie, but it contrasted with the silliness of catching the Loch Ness monster with pancakes. Worth it for children interested in the Loch Ness monster or benign monsters in general.

[Tweller83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

10/4/24: Beautifully illustrated book and the story was cute, but I'm not sure why something specific happened which I can't say without spoilers. However, it sort of spoiled the story for me. I am giving it a 4 star because the illustrations are 5 star but the story was a 3 star, at least for me. Your mileage may vary. Get it for the illustrations but read it first before reading it to a little is all I'm saying.

[Trinity Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, but the story itself felt lacking to me.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a clever way to tell this famous story about the Loch Ness Monster!

[Amy Kurlansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story, and the illustrations are beautiful.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Belgium import translated through Clavis Publishers tells the intergenerational story of a young girl Rhona who goes boating with her uncle Allister to look for the legendary Loch Ness Monsters, although Rhona is pretty sure it's not a monster at all. While Uncle Allister busily bakes pancakes to lure Nessie, Rhona stays on deck and soon is face to face with the beautiful and gentle sea "monster". The strength of this book is in the illustrations. Beautiful pastel paintings that reveal a tranquil setting on a lake where, why wouldn't a sea monster want dwell? The story may have lost something in the translation and was a bit too saccharine for this reviewer, but a sweet story all the same.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncle Allister is Rhona's odd but fun uncle and he has a plan to catch Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, so he will be rich and famous. Uncle Allister invites Rhona to join him on his boat while he implements his plan: tossing pancakes into the lake because everyone loves pancakes. He describes Nessie to Rhona as a "big dragon, with a long neck and two bumps!" Then when Uncle Allister is down in the gallery preparing the pancakes to toss, Nessie appears to Rhona. Nessie doesn't seem like a monster at all but instead beautiful with big, warm eyes. And after that Rhona is determined to protect Nessie by distracting Uncle Allister. The soft illustrations and quiet text are truly magical and make this a lovely picture book to read and share.

[Yaritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wouldn't you love to see the mythical creature called the Lock Ness monster? Rhona will be in for a treat. Her uncle Allister is desperate to see up close what others have seen in the lake in Scotland, an immense sea creature with a long neck and two humps. Allister believes the Lock Ness monster would enjoy pancakes since it's everyone's favorite. Sometimes, surprises show up quietly and unexpectedly. Pancakes were not the reason the creature made an appearance. Maybe he picks who he wants to see. The illustrations made this story enjoyable. The colors bring calmness to the story, where the one character is wild with his pancakes. Children will enjoy this adorable story and illustrations.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhona is spending the day with her Uncle Alistair on a boat on Loch Ness. Uncle Alistair is convinced he can lure Nessie with pancakes, because everyone loves pancakes, but Rhona isn't sure the monster even exists. But, while on the water Rhona sees and hears new things--- has she met a monster??
Absolutely charming!

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

The part about the little girl meeting Nessie was really sweet. I liked the way the artist portrayed Nessie as well, but the pancake loving uncle was beyond annoying and unfortunately the story was pretty boring over all.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the gorgeous illustrations and sweet story about a girl going fishing with her grandfather on Loch Ness and discovering magic in the water. The story celebrates the beauty of children's imaginations and the magic of childhood.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! The story of an uncle and his niece going out on Loch Ness in search of Nessie. There are so many lovely moments in this sweet story. I am sure it will get many of my students interested in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! I really liked the artwork.

[Kate Wirt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. The story is sweet, but the ending may have lost something in translation.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations!

[Mackenzie Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for illustrations, 3 for story

[Lynne Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt quite long for a picture book.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, this is an enjoyable story.

[Carmen Gatti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute