ROBIN’S ROOM

A timeless tale of creativity unfurled. While this posthumous publication was written decades ago, it is unerringly relevant to today’s child. Robin’s parents are aghast at his rampant mischief-making; he commandeers the cat’s toys, turns the tub into a garden, and paints wherever he chooses. At wit’s end, his exasperated parents decide to give him his own room, which he promptly redecorates. “A child’s room made by a child,” marvels his mother, awestruck. What Robin unveils is a child’s delight, catering to every conceivable creative outlet. However, Robin’s pièce de résistance is the massive clock on his wall, tracking his busy day with one key element missing. “From four o-clock to suppertime he painted a space. That was when he could do whatever he wanted to do all by himself alone in his room.” Did this wise author foresee the modern-day dilemma of overscheduled children? Brown’s offbeat tale of an eccentric, precocious child hones in on an essential issue: the need for some unstructured time, a time of freedom, to let imagination roam unfettered and to flourish. It is, however, the art that really makes this special. A perfect complement, the boldly colored illustrations, off-kiltered perspectives, and truly unique layout—which has readers turning the book upside-down to continue—are all a keen reflection of Robin’s individuality and creativity. Filled with incredible options, this can’t help but inspire young decorators who’ve outgrown the “great green room.” (Picture book. 4-8)