Title: Chester's Back
Author & Illustrator: Melanie Watt
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd.
Publication Date: 2007
Format: Hardback, 32 pages
Genre: Children's Books, Picture Books, Humor
Other Books in the Series:Chester - reviewed
Chester's Masterpiece
How I Got It: the library
Goodreads Summary:
In this uproarious sequel to Chester, the battle of the picture-book makers continues. Which author-illustrator will come out on top - Chester or Melanie Watt - is anybody's guess!
This time, there's no denying (in Chester's mind) that he's the star of the show. His already outsize ego has ballooned even more due to a spate of fan mail on the heels of his self-titled debut. As Chester sees it, who needs Melanie Watt when they have Chester? He's got no shortage of his own storytelling ideas. With heavy paw and red marker, this control-freak cat does not hesitate to commit them to paper. When Chester starts acting far too Hollywood, Melanie calls an open audition to replace the high-maintenance feline. This isn't a move that Chester will take lying down. Get ready for a seesaw comedy of dueling author-illustrators. Who will come out on top is anybody's guess!
Review:
Melanie has given in and made Chester the main character in her second book. This has all gone to Chester's head and he once again tries to take over the story.
From costume changes, hiding, and demands, Chester hijacks Melanie's story. Well, she's not taking it laying down! She counters Chester's "Cave Cat" with a T-Rex, and his Chesterdini with open auditions to find his replacement. Chester also fights back, running off a pig in a Chester costume and demanding a limousine filled with red jellybeans because he is a BIG STAR! And that's what he gets, but he's been drawn in a ridiculous outfit with a big star around his head. Chester is not amused, but Melanie, mouse, and the readers are! However he has the last laugh by turning Melanie's author page into a wanted poster for a new author/illustrator.
Another exuberant "collaboration" between Watt and chester. Details on every single page, this is a great book to read and explore with your child.
Verdict:
Chester's Back has simply solidified my position as a Melanie Watt fan. My students and I have enjoyed her Scaredy Squirrel series for a while now and the Chester books are a big hit with all of us. I give it 5 stars.
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5 comments:
I'm going to have to pick this one up for my niece, I think she'd love the illustrations and that big fat cat:) Thank for the recommendation Jennifer!
January 25, 2011 12:09 PMMy boys will love this book. Thanks for the recommendation!
January 25, 2011 5:53 PM@ Jenny & Lisa - The Chester books are new favorites and have gone on my list of books that every library must have. :)
January 26, 2011 5:05 AMLove this book! Make sure to read the new scaredy squirrel book, it's really funny and cute.
January 28, 2011 2:57 PM@ Alex - I've tried reading the new Scaredy Squirrel, but have never had the time to grab it before it runs out of the library again. :) My students are really enjoying it.
January 29, 2011 12:57 AMPost a Comment