Roly-Poly Prole

by Elizabeth Javidan, Mary Barrows (Illustrator)

The Ticks were the leaders, and every Prole knew,

because of the Ticks, the Proles’ lives were blue.

Roly-Poly Prole and his prole neighbors live under the tyranny of the terrible Ticks. Finally Roly-Poly Prole decides that enough is enough, and it’s time to take control of the future. Rise up and speak out with our tiny hero, and learn that change is possible when good people come together.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2021

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roly-Poly Prole is a quiet, humble prole. He follows he lead of his neighbors and those who have power over them. Their lives are horrible--without hope, food, necessities. The Ticks tell them it is for their own good that the Ticks make decisions for them. One day Roly-Poly hears a crying child. Her mother has been taken. Roly-Poly takes her home and feeds her. He also makes a decision that the Ticks cannot rule over the Proles anymore. What does he do? Will his neighbors follow him? Do they want change?

I enjoyed this story. It may be a children's book as it is written in rhyme but there is so much more in it. It is reminiscent of 1984 by George Orwell and It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis as well as many current YA dystopian novels. I like the courage of Roly-Poly. Once he gathers and uses his courage, he cannot be stopped. I like what happens with Roly-Poly and his neighbors.

I look forward to more tales from Elizabeth Javidan.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

The rhythmic poetry, the illustrations with the sparse use of jeweltone colors, make this a book children and adults can enjoy.