Yuck, a love story

By Don Gillmor format: children's hardcover publication: March 2001 ISBN: 9780773762091

Price $9.95 Quantity This item is currently available to order. We will confirm the estimated shipping time with you when we process your order.

Winner of the 2000 Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration

Austin Grouper is riding his bicycle, speeding downhill, wholly unaware of what is about to hit him. Then his mother instructs him to go and welcome the new girl next door, and that is the boy's last moment of certainty and confidence. He develops a crush on Amy, and is by turns bewildered, stunned, fascinated, and repulsed by her. He shows off by spouting facts and builds her a life-sized Apatosaurus out of Popsicle sticks, while she placidly accepts his attention. When he is invited to her birthday party, he dresses up like a cowboy, lassos the moon, chases it through 22 countries, and then gives it to her as a gift. Gillmor does an excellent job of depicting a young boy's first crush. Throughout the story, Austin's attempts at conversation fail miserably, and he and Amy often seem to be speaking two different languages. Gay's wonderful watercolor illustrations are filled with humor. Amy's cats are sprinkled throughout the pictures, silently observing their young neighbor's frustrations and emotions. Details such as the sharp part in Austin's hair and leaves hanging from a rake really bring the story to life. When Austin and Amy finally connect and head off to eat birthday cake together, readers will share their happiness.

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