Excellent Ed

by Stacy McAnulty, Julia Sarcone-Roach (Illustrations)

Dog lovers will adore this imperfect yet endearing mutt and his quest for excellence!

***Winner of an Ezra Jack Keats New Author Honor Award!***
 
Everyone in the Ellis family is excellent--except Ed.
 
Ed wonders if this is why he isn’t allowed to eat at the table or sit on the couch with the other children. So he’s determined to find his own thing to be excellent at--only to be (inadvertently) outdone by a family member every time.
 
Now Ed is really nervous--what if he’s not excellent enough to belong in this family?
 
This funny and endearing story offers a subtle look at sibling rivalry and self esteem, and will reassure kids that everyone is excellent at something, and that your family loves you, just as you are.

Praise for Excellent

"A dog lover’s delight." —School Library Journal

"In Julia Sarcone-Roach’s joyful, expressive paintings, we see Ed pondering how to demonstrate excellence. The answer is excellent, and entirely endearing." — The Wall Street Journal

“A warm, welcome reminder that everyone is excellent at something.” — Kirkus Reviews  starred review

“In a word? Excellent .” — The Horn Book  starred review

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Family, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2016

About the author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ed the dog begins to feel a little unqualified to belong to the excellent Ellis family in this endearing picture-book from author Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Julia Sarcone-Roach. All of the human children in the family excel at their various pursuits, from Elaine with her soccer playing to Ernie with his baking skills. Ed racks his mind for some activity or quality in which he can stand out, only to be continually upstaged. Just as he begins to conclude that he is unworthy of belonging to the Ellises, he discovers some areas in which he is truly excellent...

I enjoyed the story here, despite having my doubts as to Ed's anthropomorphization - can dogs have inferiority complexes? - but it is the artwork, done in acrylic, watercolor, crayon and grease pencil, that is the real star. Julia Sarcone-Roach captures all of Ed's many emotional states to perfection, and his expressions are often quite droll. The scenes in which he is rolling around on the floor are particularly fun, and give a sense of motion to the page. I also liked the fact that the Ellis family is African-American, as there is still a dearth of picture-books featuring a more diverse range of characters, where that diversity is unremarked upon, and not the point of the story. Recommended to anyone looking for entertaining picture-books featuring our canine friends.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Summer Reading Day 66: Hey, everyone! Our book today was Excellent Ed, written by Stacy McAnulty and with illustrations by Julia Sarcone-Roach. This sweet story is about a little dog named Ed, the youngest “child” of the Ellis family. Ed wants to excel at something, like his siblings do, so he will be allowed to do things like sit on the couch and eat at the dinner table, but he is unsure what makes him “excellent.”

This is such a great story on so many levels. First, the main theme is about finding what makes each individual uniquely excellent: Ed finds that while his siblings are better at many of the things he tries, no one is better than him at warming feet or greeting them at the door. In this way too, it’s also a love letter to pet dogs, and their special place in a family. Furthermore, it has a great repetitive use of the letter E (every character has a first and last name beginning with the letter, as well and frequent use of “e” words), and centers around a POC family in a story that is not focused on diversity or cultural issues (as many children’s POC characters are relegated to doing).

All in all, this was a great book. Adorable illustrations, great length and theme, sweet story, and JJ loved hearing about Ed’s adventures. Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Agnė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy McAnulty's story is funny, adorable, cleverly devised, and it has a very satisfying ending. Julia Sarcone-Roach's illustrations are equally cute, humorous, colorful, and expressive (bonus points for a family of color!). Also, Excellent Ed has excellent page layouts!

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not easy being the family pet when your family is perfect. Every member of the Ellis family excels at something. Now Ed just needs to figure out what makes him excellent.

I think he's excellent at being a sweet, eager-to-please dog.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in Ed’s family is excellent except for Ed. He doesn’t understand why he isn’t allowed to eat at the table, ride in the van, sit on the couch or use the inside bathroom like the rest of the family. So he decides that he’s just not good enough and sets out to find something that he is the best in. But each time he finds something, one of the others in the family shows how much better they are than he is at exactly that thing. Finally, Ed shows why he is the perfect pet in a perfect family, though he still wonders about the inside bathroom.

This book uses humor and a dog’s perspective to take a look at being the underachiever in a family. The family is oblivious to Ed’s self-esteem crisis, continuing to excel and to applaud one another along the way. The book is cleverly crafted with Ed figuring out what he is good at and then another family member putting a twist on it and showing a new interpretation of the skill. Additionally, the list of things that Ed isn’t allowed to do serves as the basis for what he is actually very good at. It’s a lovely concept that brings the entire book full circle.

The illustrations are jaunty and delightful. In a book about a dog and not about race at all, it is great to see a family of color as the central figures. There is a lot of energy throughout the book and it is made all the more energetic by the illustrations which pack plenty of action on each page, moving the book along at a lively pace.

Dynamic, funny and very satisfying, this picture book is dog-gone good. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

[Isaac Reuben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today, both adults and children face tremendous pressure to excel at different activities. Unfortunately, all this pressure often leaves us feeling anxious, inadequate, or unlovable…

Meet Ed, the Ellis family’s beloved dog, who struggles with these very feelings. All the Ellis children are excellent at one activity or another, and Ed worries he is not good enough to belong in the family. No matter how hard Ed tries, someone else always does something better than him. However, Stacy McAnulty's story and Julia Sarcone-Roach’s illustrations beautifully illustrate how Ed discovers what he is not only good at but also excels at. More importantly, Ed’s story captures the timeless truth that family loves you, just as you are.

I really enjoyed this picture book, and it made me smile. In fact, out of the handful of picture books I have read this year, this was my favorite. It was an excellent choice!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gr 1-3-- “All the Ellis children were excellent at something. Except Ed.” While Elaine excels at soccer, Ed (who may or may not realize that he is a dog) slobbers all over the ball. Ernie bakes exquisite cupcakes - Ed eats them. The kids even surpass Ed at the sweetly dim doggie skills that he claims for his own - breaking stuff (Elaine breaks a scoring record), losing things (the twins lose baby teeth), and forgetting stuff (the family ballerina forgets to be nervous and aces her audition). Pop-eyed, pointy-muzzled, slightly scruffy Ed is all tail-wagging ecstatic energy in warm, relaxed pencil lines with acrylic, watercolor and crayon colors in glowing greens and yellows. Smart correlations between what Ed isn’t allowed to do and what he turns out to be really excellent at wrap this warm fuzzy story of a close-knit African American family and their pet up with a bow. Ed joins the pack of irresistible picture book pups that includes David Shannon’s Good Boy Fergus! and Chris Raschka’s Daisy (A Ball for Daisy). —Paula Willey

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: All the Ellis children were excellent at something. Except Ed. And all the Ellis children were allowed to eat at the table, and ride in the van, and use the indoor bathroom. Except Ed.

Premise/plot: This picture book stars a dog named Ed. Ed is puzzled by a few things. Why isn't he allowed to eat at the table? Why isn't he allowed to ride in the van? Why isn't he allowed to use the indoor bathroom? Why is he the ONLY Ellis child excluded from family activities? Perhaps he's not EXCELLENT enough to fit in with such an awesome family? What is he good at anyway?!

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was fun. It was funny. Ed is a playful, silly narrator. I enjoyed getting to know him.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

[Juliana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ellis family all got to eat at the table, ride in the van, sit on the couch, and use the indoor bathroom... all except Ed, the dog. Ed worked on being excellent so that he could join the family at the table, in the van, on the couch, and in the bathroom, but so far nothing was working. Everyone else in the family was better at doing all the things Ed tried to do. But then Ed found out what he really excelled at and why he didn't eat at the table, ride in the van, and sit on the couch. Of course, he's still trying to figure out why he can't use the indoor bathroom.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in Ed's family is excellent at something, well, everyone except poor Ed. He tries and tries to be good at something but there are so many things he simply cannot do. Mostly because he's the dog! In the end, Ed finds a lot of things he is excellent at. Ed has a lot of personality and readers beware, you will fall in love with him. Children will enjoy poring over the illustrations and listing some of the things they or their pets can do. Great for ages 2 - 7.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

diverse picture book (pets/dogs, letter "E"; preschool ages 3+)
* Prominently features diverse characters: the Ellis family (5 children, mom & dad) are Black; the kids appear prominently on most of the spreads showcasing their various talents (soccer, math, dancing, baking, eating at the table) compared to Ed's lack thereof.
* Suitable for preschool/kinder and up. Longer text, but a humorous and engaging plot.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many immediate pro's about this book - from sweet illustrations to the premise of wanting to be excellent like those in your family to the dog-centered story (a big pro for my preschooler) to the Ellis family being a family of color - and yet, this book is not a favorite. It was hard to keep my little one's attention and I ended up changing the words to get through the book with her. It's just a little too long and could have used some more editing. An Imagination Library Book.

[Marfita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Ed can't win for losin'. Everyone else in the family is excellent at something and they get to use the indoor bathroom, ride in the van, sit on the couch, and eat at the table. If only Ed were excellent at something. And wasn't a dog. Each time he thinks of something he's excellent at, one of the humans is excellent at it already. Eventually, Ed learns what he's so good at and becomes reconciled to his lot in life ... almost.
Excellent illustrations: simple and so expressive.

[Elizabeth Swaggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed wants to be excellent at something, but he can't figure out what that is. Took a few reads to get the flow of this book, but once I got it, I loved it. Opportunities to talk about dogs, families, what you and your child are excellent at. Also fun to talk about the outdoor vs indoor bathroom. Recommend as read aloud for pre-k and elem.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute story about a dog, Ed, who just wants to fit in with his family. Everybody in the family is very talented, but Ed doesn't feel like he's good at anything. Young children will have a great time reading to see if Ed figures out what his special talents are.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like all of Stacy McAnulty's books. This one is pretty funny, like her other books.
Ed is a sweet dog, and he makes me think of a friend's dog.
I prefer some of her other books to this one, though.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ellis family has some excellent children. Ed, their dog, doesn't understand why he doesn't get the same privileges as the rest of the children. Maybe it's because he hasn't found his excellence yet?

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute pooch wants to be excellent at something like all the other members of the Ellis family.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has something good and unique and excellent about them. Look for it. That's what Ed had to do, and he found it. Great message.

[Angela]

Fantastic illustrations, and I like that a family of color is depicted without it being the central plot point of the story. Text fell a bit flat for me.

[Amanda Grooms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book, and FREE from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!!! I wish I’d heard about that program sooner— best idea ever!

[Amara · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.facebook.com/jerri.white....

[gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

black excellence

[Ronda Canary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4

[Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt story about learning to see the good in oneself and learning to do so through the lens of Ed, who is excellent. Just look at the cover and tell me that dog's not excellent.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely adorable, and we LOVED it, because we love dogs. Ed is a delight, and he reminded us of our own dogs. I wonder if they have these thoughts about wanting to sit at the table and ride in the van and use the "indoor bathroom" like the rest of the family (I mean, I doubt it, but it's really cute to think they might).

Ed is part of an excellent family, where each person excels at something (math, ballet, baking, etc), and Ed is working hard to find his niche. Every time he thinks he's found the ONE thing that only HE excels at, it turns out another family member got there first, in a way that won't be obvious until it is. (He excels at losing things (by stealing them from the house and burying them in the garden), but, oh! the twins each lost a TOOTH.) Poor Ed was really starting to worry, until the family reminded him of what HE is excellent at (greeting people at the door, cleaning food off the floor, and so on). I felt so bad for Ed as he worried, and I felt joy for Ed when he was reminded of just how special he is at all of the goofy, lovable things that dogs are really good at. And I really loved each "twist," because each time I could not figure out how another family member was going to exceed his performance.

It's no surprise that I loved this book, since the creators are both authors of some of my favorite picture books: McAnulty (Moon! Earth's Best Friend, etc) and Sarcone-Roach (The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, etc).

The art really charmed me. This would be an excellent companion read with Katie Loves the Kittens

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Ed by Stacy McAnulty is an enjoyable and funny read. But more than that, it is encouraging and hopeful.

The Ellis family had many talents. Each child excelled in something, but Ed, their dog, didn’t seem to excel in anything positive.

What the five children did Ed didn’t do in quite the same way. He was not allowed to eat at the table with the rest of the family, or sit on the couch, or use the inside bathroom. And he had to stay home when everyone else left in the van. He just couldn’t understand why. Julia Sarcone-Roach‘s fun illustrations reveal to the reader the reason … one hint – Ed could be quite destructive.

Ed wanted to be excellent too so he would be allowed to do what they did, only he always seemed to make a big troublesome mess of things. Each time he thought of something that maybe would earn him that privilege, one of the children excelled in his or her more acceptable way. Poor Ed began to think he wasn’t good enough to be part of the family! Then one day he was praised for being excellent at something without even trying! It was so easy he didn’t even have to change himself.

The subtle message in Stacy McAnulty‘s Excellent Ed is that we’re all good at something and we are okay just the way we are. It’s a wonderful story with a funny ending, and with great illustrations by Julia Sarcone-Roach.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All the Ellis children were excellent at something. Except Ed."
There are five Ellis children, and Ed the dog. The children are allowed to eat at the table, ride in the van, sit on the couch, and use the indoor bathroom. Except Ed is not. Each of the children is excellent at something, and Ed can do these things as well, but not as well, or not the same way. Ed decided if he is excellent at something, he will be allowed to do the things other children are allowed to do. Then each of the children becomes excellent at the same thing!
Maybe Ed isn't' excellent enough to be part of the family?!
As readers progress towards the end of the book they find more ways Ed is excellent, and why he does things different. Everything except the indoor bathroom, that one remains a mystery.
The illustrations are wonderful, the dog's face and body language portrays his mood, feelings and thoughts clearly while still maintaining his doggy characteristics. I love all the bright colors, and how the illustrator used white space to draw focus to Ed, and makes the pages feel full but not overly busy. I think it would be cute to see which children notice all the character's names begin with the same letter.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is the case for many of us, Ed is part of an exceptional family. All five of the Ellis children excel in some way, but Ed can't seem to find his niche. He longs to do all the things the others do, including sitting at the table for meals and going to the bathroom indoors. Try as he might, he just doesn't measure up to the others. Until one day his family praises him for being a good floor cleaner, a terrific greeter, and the best foot warmer. Finally, Ed feels as though he belongs in this most excellent family, even if the indoor bathroom is still off-limits. Filled with attractive illustrations created with acrylic pain, watercolor, crayon, and grease pencil, this picture book will amuse young readers while possibly reminding them that there is a place for everyone, even in the most high-achieving, uber-talented families. Ed's plight is surely one that many readers will have experienced. Those who haven't will still be attracted to Ed's many antics and attempts to fit in as shown in his facial expressions.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ed can't figure out what there are different rules for him than for the other children in the house. (Apparently, Ed doesn't realize he's a dog and the others are humans.)

He tries to figure out something that he's Excellent at, because he thinks that if he's Excellent at something it will let him do the same things (like eat at the table and sit on the couch) that the other kids do.

Unfortunately, everything he comes up with, one of the other kids has done it first.

At the end, he finds things that he's Excellent at and they help explain some of the rule differences for him.

It's a cute book, but not one I'd read a ton and not one that bears much thought. I'm not sure what the message is supposed to be? That we have to earn the right to be treated equally? That we all have things we're excellent at (if that's the case, there's no reason to say only 1 person can be Excellent at a thing)? That dogs are the same as humans?