Ella, Of Course! (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Ella, Of Course! Hope Morrison Weeks, Sarah Ella, Of Course!; illus. by Doug Cushman. Harcourt, 200732p ISBN 0-15-204943-6$16.00 R 4-6 yrs Ella the pig is a noted problem-solver, but when she receives an umbrella from her grandmother for her birthday, she becomes a problem-causer, leaving a wake of disaster wherever she and her cumbersome but beloved umbrella go. When her umbrella is officially uninvited from her dance recital, Ella is devastated. Fortunately, however, she hadn't "forgotten who she was, for heaven's sake," so she solves the problem by converting her umbrella into a tutu and subsequently stealing the show. This unusual tale of a security object deemed unwelcome by adults has at its center a delightfully self-confident porcine who is as entertaining in her MacGyver role as she is in her destructive mode. The framing concept—that the Ella who used to solve problems is now causing them—elevates the text beyond being merely a story of a girl who refuses to give up her special possession when pressured to do so by an adult. Cushman's bold acrylic paintings fill nearly every inch of every spread; thick outlines provide definition to foreground elements while subtle texturing and shading prevent the compositions from appearing flat. The cast, an assorted crew of animals, often provides an additional touch of visual humor (the lizard looks particularly fetching in ballet togs), and there is a consistent energy to the paintings. The titular refrain is sprinkled throughout the story, and young listeners will likely catch on and participate after a few rounds. Pair this with Henkes' Owen (BCCB 10/93) for an entertaining glimpse at the lengths to which the preschool set will go to keep their beloved belongings close at hand. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois