Head Lice by Elise Gravel, and: The Spider by Elise Gravel (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Head Lice by Elise Gravel, and: The Spider by Elise Gravel Jeannette Hulick Gravel, Elise Head Lice; written and illus. by Elise Gravel. Tundra, 2015 32p (Disgusting Critters) ISBN 978-1-77049-661-3 $10.99 R Gr. 2-3 The Spider; written and illus. by Elise Gravel. Tundra, 2015 32p (Disgusting Critters) ISBN 978-1-77049-664-4 $10.99 R Gr. 2-3 Gravel continues her Disgusting Critters series (see The Worm and The Fly, BCCB 5/14,) with these two entries, one focused on the spider and the other on every parent’s worst nightmare, head lice. The entertaining formula established in previous titles—presenting absorbing facts in the main text while the animal in question delivers sassy and amusing asides in the art—continues here. The red and black fanged head louse is jocosely cheery for a parasite, and the factual info (“The head louse’s body is slightly transparent, so we can see inside his tummy”) is effectively punctuated by the accompanying illustrations (“Oh, so THAT’s where I put the car keys,” he exclaims, the silhouette of said keys faintly visible in his abdomen). The black, oblong, spindly-legged spider is equally charming, although her identification as female is somewhat disconcertingly highlighted by stereotypical interests such as “princess shoes” (for her multiple feet), “eye shadow” (for her multiple eyes), and “purses” (as in the silk case in which she carries her eggs). Thankfully, other depictions amusingly present her in a more balanced light, such as her portrayal as a cowgirl (lassoing her prey) or a superhero (rescuing humans from mosquitoes). Supplemental information may be desirable for some points, but the books are still solidly entertaining and funny, and the limited palettes (red, black, and turquoise for the head lice, and hot pink, chartreuse, and black for the spider) and wide-eyed, comical critters are attractive and inviting (well, as inviting as a head louse can be). Few nonfiction easy readers impart their information with such gleeful enthusiasm and kid appeal, and for that Gravel is to be commended. [End Page 447] Copyright © 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois