Disappearing Desmond
Disappearing Desmond
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Perma-Bound from Publisher's Hardcover ©2010--
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Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Annotation: Desmond is so skilled at disappearing that sometimes even his teacher cannot find him but when he meets Gloria, a new student at school, his attitude slowly changes.
 
Reviews: 5
Catalog Number: #40371
Format: Perma-Bound from Publisher's Hardcover
Special Formats: Inventory Sale Inventory Sale
Copyright Date: 2010
Edition Date: 2010 Release Date: 08/24/10
Pages: 1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN: Publisher: 0-375-86684-1 Perma-Bound: 0-605-47418-4
ISBN 13: Publisher: 978-0-375-86684-5 Perma-Bound: 978-0-605-47418-5
Dewey: E
LCCN: 2009037607
Dimensions: 28 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

How Not to Be Seen is a famous Monty Python sketch, but it also describes the peculiar and poignant talent of shy children like Alter's (What Can You Do with an Old Red Shoe?) hero Desmond, an anthropomorphized cat. Desmond is so self-erasing that he can easily blend into a classroom poster: ""Sometimes, even his teacher could not find him."" Then one day, a vivacious and persistent rabbit named Gloria (think young Auntie Mame with long ears) arrives in class and pulls Desmond out of his shell. One good turn leads to another, and soon most of the class wallflowers are blooming%E2%80%94although the final image makes it clear there's still work to be done. Many of Desmond's camouflage efforts show a lot of ingenuity, which could convey to some readers that his inner life in rich enough to compensate for his lack of friends. But Alter's empathy is never in question, and with Gloria's arrival it becomes clear just how much yearning was in Desmond's heart%E2%80%94socially confident readers and shrinking violets alike will be won over. Ages 5%E2%80%938. (Aug.)

ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Whether he is talcum-powdered white to look like a statue in an art museum or dressed in green while sitting in a tree, Desmond, a shy cat, likes to blend in with his environment, much like David Lucas' Halibut Jackson (2004). Used to being ignored, Desmond is surprised when new student Gloria, a gregarious rabbit who enjoys speaking up and standing out, notices him wherever he tries to hide. After Gloria finds Desmond in the library and they read together all morning long, the classmates become inseparable playmates. Brandishing a new attire and self-confidence to boot, Desmond can't remember why he ever wanted to disappear and spots another camouflaged friend. The final double-page spread includes numerous hidden students for readers to find. With a nod to her own Abigail Spells (2009), Alter's pleasing acrylic illustrations feature more of her adorable animals and geometric and patterned backdrops. A reassuring tale of friendship that gives voice to young wallflowers and their secret desire to connect with others.

School Library Journal (Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

PreS-Gr 1 Desmond the cat blends in with his surroundings. In fact, his entire family fades into the background in their portrait. Everything changes when Gloria, a rabbit, arrives at school. Not only does she take every possible chance to get noticed herself, but she also notices Desmond no matter where he hides. To his surprise, he likes interacting with others. He even coaxes someone else from his hiding place to join the playground fun. Young viewers will enjoy spotting Desmond in his ingenious costumes and identifying others trying to stay out of sight in the schoolyard. Alter's animal characters will be familiar to those who know her previous books, including Abigail Spells (Knopf, 2009), featured in a library poster. This low-key story of how friendship can support and encourage others will be a welcome addition for most libraries. Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Shy cat Desmond always purposely blends into the background at school. But a new student keeps spotting him ("Hi, Desmond!"), and a friendship blooms alongside his confidence. Like Kevin Henkes, the note-perfect Alter doesn't need to use abstract words like shy and confident to make her point. Readers will delight in watching Desmond try to disappear into the unassuming scenery.

Reviewing Agencies: - Find Other Reviewed Titles
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)
School Library Journal (Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)
Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)
Wilson's Children's Catalog
Word Count: 279
Reading Level: 1.9
Interest Level: K-3
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.9 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139136 / grade: Lower Grades
Reading Counts!: reading level:1.4 / points:1.0 / quiz:Q52923
Lexile: AD570L
Guided Reading Level: L

Desmond likes to disappear, blend into the background, and hide in the cleverest of places. But when a new student named Gloria arrives at his school, Desmond finds himself noticed for the first time. Can Gloria help Desmond get used to the life in the spotlight?
 
Anna Alter’s charming story is an original and reassuring take on overcoming shyness.


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