“Sylvie”...released May 26, 2009
“... Sattler’s punchy text and expressive paintings convey Sylvie’s ample personality with panache (the leggy flamingo strikes bold—and rather coquettish—poses as she delights in each of the colors) against paint-smeared beachy backdrops. Though she finally decides to be true to herself, the heroine displays her spunkiness at the story’s end, as her tail duplicates the stripes of the rainbow lollipop she indulges in for dessert, leaving kids with a fittingly whimsical parting image. Ages 3–6. (May)”
~PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (May 18, 2009)
“Meet Sylvie, a young flamingo definitely in the “why” stage. “Mama,” she asks, “Why are we pink?” It’s a great question and when Mama answers that it is because the shrimp they eat are pink, the curious Sylvie gets an idea. What happens if she nibbles items of other colors? (Sylvie has obviously heard of the scientific method) Of course, as Sylvie samples she turns a variety of hues from chocolate to purple paisley. Sylvie’s tummy rebels and Sylvie decides it is better to be her pink self after all—with just a touch of panache. Sattler’s whimsical watercolor illustrations are perfect for the Preschool-Kindergarten set, with simple text and a single color element on each page. My twins are crazy about this book—the tummy ache page is their favorite—and the humor works equally well for five-year-olds AND those of us in (late) middle age! The boys give Sylvie (Random, May 2009) a multi-chromatic two thumbs up.
Who knew a flamingo could pose in so many funny positions or turn “rather stripey?” The artwork delighted me from the googly-eyed pink shrimp and the vibrant use of color to the wide swaths of brushstrokes of the backgrounds. The natural history lesson is humorously delivered, but young researchers might want to delve deeper to find out what the shrimp are eating that causes them to turn the flamingos pink. Sylvie delivers a good lesson about the perils of overeating and poor nutrition for the current focus on children’s obesity, but done in a fun way that won’t single out overweight children in the classroom. And, for those of us who just can’t stay away from sweets entirely, the cautionary ending allows for a little dessert in moderation!”
~BOOKLIST ONLINE (May 2, 2009)
“You are what you eat” is more than just a saying for Sylvie the flamingo. Dissatisfied with the sameness of her family when contrasted with the rest of the world, she asks her Mama why flamingos are all pink. The answer—“the little shrimp we eat are pink”—leads her to seek more colorful things to eat, with hilarious results. Sylvie is one endearing flamingo, sure to capture readers’ hearts with her exuberant style. The artwork masterfully captures each of Sylvie’s emotions in both facial expression and body language. Sattler’s message is delivered effectively without being preachy. This will
be a hit in just about every setting.” (Picture book. 3-7)
~KIRKUS REVIEWS (April 15, 2009)
“There is a surprise ending that will surely induce giggles from kids. Sattler’s art steals the show; the colors are eye-popping and vibrant, right to the swirling bright endpapers. As Sylvie changes colors the background changes hues as well. This title is sure to create storytime magic.”
~SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (April, 2009)
