A lot of beginning picture book authors write stories told from the view of an inanimate object. A toaster named Timmy. A chair named Charlie. A flower named Flora.
While these authors’ intentions are good, their stories often aren’t. It is exceedingly hard to write a story that works using the voice of a something that is not — and probably should not — be sentient.
So, when an author pulls this kind of story off successfully, I am impressed.
And, I am very impressed with THE ELEVATOR ON 74TH STREET, a new picture book from Beach Lane Books written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Yas Imamura.
This is a picture book about a warmhearted elevator named Ellie that’s part matchmaker, part friend, and all sweetness.
Ellie works tirelessly to make the residents of her apartment building happy. She loves everyone who lives in her building — even the dogs with muddy paws and the people who are overly enthusiastic button-pushers. But Ellie has a soft spot for Thea, who bounces through Ellie’s doors with a cheerful grin every day.
After Thea’s best friend moves away, Ellie rarely sees Thea smile. Ellie wants to cheer Thea up … but what can an elevator do to help? Leave it to Ellie to make Thea’s world a little bit better.
I liked this book so much, I made a brief video about why I think you should read it. See below:
Happy reading!
And, if you have a favorite picture book told from the viewpoint of something that really shouldn’t be alive, please share the title in the comments.
This is intriguing. I will give it a read. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like a great read! Thanks, Pat!
My niece is named Thea. I bet she will love this.
This sounds delightful! Thanks for the recommendation, Pat. I’m looking forward to reading.
I will be reading this book SOON! Thanks, Pat.
What a great idea for a book and Laura Gehl is a wonderful writer. I can’t wait to read this.
Love this book! Thanks for the great review.
Sounds adorable. I just put it on hold at my library and look forward to reading it I remember being super impressed with School’s First Day of School when I first read it and I still think it’s brilliant.
Thank you! The library will be hearing from me soon.
Thanks for sharing, Pat! I’ll keep my eyes open for it. I like Laura’s books.
Thanks for the rec! Some of my faves ~
Lou
School’s First Day of School
A Home Again
I was so happy to see your post because this book has been a recent favorite of mine as well!
I can’t wait to read this one!
Laura’s done it again 🙂
Her books are all amazing.
I love these books when they really work too! As an experienced picture book writer, what do you think are the pitfalls of this type of story?