Almost

by Richard Torrey, Richard Torrey (Illustrator)

Overview

Meet Jack.

He's almost six years old. And that's almost grown up.

After all, he can almost ride a big bike just like his older brother. And he almost never gets scared.

This spunky little almost-six-year-old is ready to take on the world.

Well, almost.

Richard Torrey's sweetly funny tale is sure to resonate with any child who just can't wait to be big.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061561665
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/12/2009
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	771,144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Richard Torrey is the author and illustrator of a number of well-loved children's books, including Almost, Why?, and the popular Beans Baker series. Mr. Torrey lives in Shoreham, New York.

Richard Torrey is the author and illustrator of a number of well-loved children's books, including Almost, Why?, and the popular Beans Baker series. Mr. Torrey lives in Shoreham, New York.

Editorial Reviews

In this chipper story, "almost six"-year-old Jack chronicles all the things he can do (almost) since he's "almost grown up." Torrey's (the Beans Baker series) pencil-and-watercolor illustrations have an up-close perspective that makes readers privy to the warmly humorous truth behind Jack's assertions. Smoke pours from the toaster and Jack sloshes milk across the kitchen table ("I can almost make my own breakfast"); his attempt to build a robot is shown to be a jury-rigged vacuum cleaner with the addition of a spatula, football helmet and baseball glove; and his "almost" winning home run is more of a duck-and-cover maneuver as the umpire announces "Strike three!" Children impatient to step into the shoes of their older siblings or friends will find a kindred spirit in Jack and take comfort in his literal ups and downs. Touching and true to life. Ages 4-8. (May)

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Publishers Weekly

PreS-K

Jack is almost six years old and "almost grown up." He can almost make a home run and flip his karate instructor, and he almost never gets scared or cries. He can almost always drive his older brother crazy. The large, cartoonlike spreads have plenty of pleasing color and detail, and expand on the simple text; the boys have great facial expressions as well. When Jack states, "I can almost wear big clothes," his brother is shown tugging on the shirt his sibling is wearing: "Give it back, Jack!" The illustration for "I can almost make my own breakfast" shows milk pouring from a gallon jug and the toast burning. This simple story addresses both the desire of children to be older and sibling rivalry. It's sure to be a hit at storytime.-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

School Library Journal

For those children who just cannot wait to grow up comes a tale that emphasizes their growing pains and the importance of their families' support. Jack, a spunky redhead, is "almost six. That is almost grown up." Much to the chagrin of his older brother, Jack thinks this means he can wear big clothes and ride a big bike. But his attempts at doing adult things don't always turn out as planned: The toast burns, the milk spills and he strikes out. He almost flips his karate instructor, almost likes vegetables, is almost never scared and is almost sure of his future career. The only absolute surety is the love of his supportive family. Torrey precisely captures Jack's desperate desire to be bigger and to be able to master the adult world. His facial expressions are spot-on, from Jack's pride as he attempts something new to that instant when the pride changes to an uh-oh moment. This is a sweet, tongue-in-cheek look at growing up that will reassure the youngest sufferers of youth that they are not alone. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews