THE VERTS

Acclaimed novelist Patchett teams up with Fancy Nancy illustrator Glasser for the tale of a young boy who withdraws during his birthday celebration.

Mr. and Mrs. Vert and big sister Estie want to make the day special, but they fail to ask Ivan for his opinion. Extroverted Estie enthusiastically gathers all the apartment neighbors for a party, prompting introverted Ivan to slip away and hide. Estie parties away with her guests: dancing, making paper hats, and leading everyone in song once the candles are lit. When Estie finally discovers Ivan behind the couch, she feels unappreciated for all her birthday efforts, but she’s touched to learn that what Ivan wants most is to hide away in a cozy fort with his sister. Despite Grandmother Vert’s repeated prodding that each sibling should be more like the other, Mr. and Mrs. Vert gently support both of their children throughout the story and advocate for Ivan in important moments. Though the family’s last name and the book’s subtitle make clear to adult readers that this is a tale about introversion and extroversion, these words and definitions never appear within the story. Whimsically stylized illustrations evoke joy and movement. Each character’s facial expression is dynamically wrought; Ivan’s and Estie’s are especially evocative. The Vert family reads white, while their neighbors are racially diverse and represent a variety of family structures.

An affirming read that values introverts and extroverts alike, uplifting each for their unique qualities.