Iver and Ellsworth

by Casey W. Robinson, Melissa Larson (Illustrator)

From a factory rooftop, Iver and his good friend Ellsworth (a rooftop bear) are content to watch the busy world below. "Everyone's going somewhere," Iver says. "We can see the whole world from up here. That's enough somewhere for me." But after Iver retires, the friends must venture out in search of a new somewhere. Of course, the very best views are those you share with an old pal.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 22, 2018

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. It's an usual subject for a picture book: a man who works in a factory and takes his lunch up to the roof everyday to sit with the inflatable polar bear on the roof. Iver is the man and Ellsworth is the polar bear, which is an excellent name, almost as good as Iorek (pronounced Yorick), definitely better than Olaf, the Polar Sodas' mascot who lives on the factory roof in Worcester MA and inspired the story.
The art is also very pretty, and I like the shape of Ellsworth more than the real inspiration: it's cuddlier.

Library copy

[Hannah Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about the power of kindness. For years, Iver takes care of Ellsworth (a giant promotional bear on the roof of the building where he works). When Iver retires, Ellsworth is neglected and Iver himself feels a little out of sorts with his new situation.

Over the distance, there's a force pulling the two friends back together. To me, this is a story of how every kindness--however small--leaves a mark on our lives. And how love can come in unconventional ways. That love makes our lives all the more richer.

A beautiful story.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Ellsworth is a rooftop bear. Underneath him, a factory hums and a man bustles. The man's name is Iver. Iver and Ellsworth are good friends.


Premise/plot: Iver and Ellsworth are good friends. Iver spends his lunchtime visiting Ellsworth on the roof. But what will happen when Iver retires?!


My thoughts: I enjoyed this picture book. Not many picture books focus on older generations, on senior citizens. I loved getting to know Iver as he takes care of Ellsworth throughout the book. And I thought the ending was satisfying. Perhaps slightly concerning if you think about it too much, but satisfying.



Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and sweet story of an again man and the inflatable bear that he tends to.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story about a different kind of friendship and how to embrace change.

[Jessie Oliveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet tale about the constancy of frienship. This book has the feel of a classic, something that will last a long time on the shelves. Iver tends to the balloon bear, Ellsworth, that sits atop the factory where he works. He eats lunch with the bear. He tends to the upkeep of the bear. He is content with where he is. He has no desire to "go somewhere." But then Iver retires, and he has to say good-bye to his friend. In a fun twist, Ellsworth lets himself be blown away in search of him. The illustrations are simply charming and with lovely details.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute picture book about unusual friendships - this one is between a rooftop inflatable bear and an old man. The illustrations are great - I especially liked the last spread.
Kids voted to give this 5 stars.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and touching story and whimsical illustrations packed with spectacular details. The few wordless pages were brilliantly done. Loved everything about this book! One of my new favorites!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming friendship story that produced by Ripple Grove Press. The illustrations are beautiful watercolor images. The story is quiet and soothing as Iver takes care of the rooftop bear. When Iver retired and does not come for him anymore the illustrations tell the story. The ending is sweet and satisfying. I wonder how children will feel about Ellsworth's new home and the ending?
I can't wait to read it to mine.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and very touching. Iver has taken care of the rooftop promotional bear his whole career and he loves to sit on the roof with Ellsworth and watch the busy people below all going somewhere. But what will happen in Iver retires?

I love the utterly charming pencil and watercolor illustrations and this unusual story of friendship.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, lyrical book! I love this story of friendship, and how the illustrations enhance the words, and how a sad separation leads to a charming conclusion. You may recognize a certain rooftop bear, glimpsed while driving down the highway. Whether or not you do, Casey Robinson has created a winning tale of a special friendship in this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story about a man who cares for this roof top bear until he is no longer able to do so. But if the man can’t get to the bear, the bear will get to the man! In this enchanting story all’s well when the two friends are together once again. A sweet and heartfelt tale that when finished reading leaves you feeling like you've just been hugged.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this quiet tale of friendship, the endearing details bring life to the characters. The beautiful illustrations and gentle text remind us that a sense of purpose and someone or something to care for is an important part of our humanity.

[Jen Betton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book on friendship and sticking together in changing circumstances. The author and illustrator both do a great job of showing a tender friendship despite the fact that one of the characters says little, and the other nothing at all! Heartwarming.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations pulled me in and the heartwarming story of friendship between an old man and the inflatable bear on the rooftop of the factory he works in kept me reading. So sweet, but I'm not sure kids would love it as much as grown ups.

[Monica Clark-Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gentle, moving story. Parents will love it and kids will love it--it's like a Pixar movie that way--it has an adult appeal and a child appeal. Sweet characters and gorgeous illustrations. Two thumbs way up!

[Deb S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully told tale about friendship, kindness and appreciating life. Robinson’s poetic text, coupled with Larson’s gorgeous illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for all to enjoy.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just adorable. The way the illustrations and the text tell the story... moved me deeply!

[Katie Bouton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about finding a friend that will follow you anywhere. It is also a peaceful book about human kindness.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iver and Ellsworth communicate kindness, warmth, and loyalty through well chosen words and beautiful and varied settings every child and reader will recognize, appreciate, and enjoy.

[Jeanette Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant friendship story, with a lovely twist.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite children's book of 2018!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching; beautifully written

[Tracy Hora · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story! Love the lyrical quality and resonance with this picture book.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical story about companionship and change. Sure to be a story-time favorite.

[Tara Luebbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about friendship with lovely illustrations.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of why I'm a children's librarian.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Iver and the blow-up, rooftop bear he cares for. It's an okay story with nice illustrations.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender, sweet, magical!