I am always looking for new books to share with my two youngest children. My oldest has been reading on her own for three years, but my son and toddler daughter need me to read books out loud. Shorter books with bold illustrations tend to hold the attention of the littlest readers best, and I love books with positive messages. When recently offered the chance to review Oskar Can by Britta Teckentrup from Prestel in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to add a new title to my home library.
Author/Illustrator
Currently living and working in Berlin with her artist husband and their young son, Britta Teckentrup is an illustrator, fine artist, and writer. Born in Hamburg, Germany, the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous books studied at St. Martin’s College and the Royal College of Art in London. She has created over 40 books including Before I Wake Up, The Egg, Oskar and Mo, and Oskar Loves, which have been translated into 20 languages. Her artwork has been shown at exhibitions all over the world.
Synopsis
Recommended for readers between the ages of 2 and 5 in preschool through kindergarten, Oskar Can brings back the beloved young raven who loves trees, red cherries, and the smell of spring. In his newest book, Oskar explores all the things that he can do. Based on a family cat of the same name, Oskar the raven is relatable character and perfect companion for young readers who makes them feel good about themselves and the world around them. The simple story sends a positive message that empowers children to claim their own accomplishments. The full-color hardback book from Prestal currently costs $10.50 on Amazon with a list price of $14.95.
Evaluation
My youngest children are 4 and 1. My preschooler will sit still for longer books, but my toddler has a shorter attention span. I love that Oskar Can is long even for my preschooler but short enough for my toddler to sit through. I also love the positive message that the book conveys. Oskar the raven can do many things such as count to four, jump almost as high as his friend Mo, and almost swim without aids. I appreciate that Oskar focuses on many things that he can almost do. Kids often get discouraged when they cannot do something, but seeing that Oskar takes pride in the things that he can almost do is an empowering message for the youngest readers.
I absolutely love the simple but bold illustrations from author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup in Oskar Can. The vibrant, collage-based pictures hold the attention of my littlest reader while still proving interesting for me as an adult. My oldest two children also enjoy looking at the pictures, especially my preschooler son. (My 7-year-old daughter finds the text a little too easy for her to read, but she will read the story aloud to her younger siblings.) My toddler daughter enjoys pointing out familiar objects throughout the book, especially the birds on each page. Oskar Can is definitely a new favorite to read in The Parenting Patch household!
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a simple book with a positive message for your little readers, definitely check out Oskar Can by Britta Teckentrup from Prestel. The book regales the many things that young Oskar the raven can do such as building the highest towers from rocks and digging the deepest holes. The collage-based pictures are vibrant and bold and really hold the attention of the youngest readers. Oskar is an adorable character with a powerful message. I look forward to reading more Oskar books in the future and give Oskar Can two enthusiastic thumbs up!
Purchase Oskar Can on Amazon via my affiliate link.
Image Credits
‘Oskar Can’ Book Review © 2018 Heather Johnson
Cover of ‘Oskar Can’ © 2018 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Oskar Can’ 1 © 2018 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Oskar Can’ 2 © 2018 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Oskar Can’ 3 © 2018 Heather Johnson