Iver and Ellsworth

"Iver and Ellsworth is an original and unfailingly entertaining picture book that will prove of very special interest for children ages 5 to 7, as well as an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections." —Midwest Book Review

"This gentle story about friendship, devotion, and commitment features an unlikely pair: an elderly man and an inanimate (or is it?), inarticulate inflatable polar bear that adorns the rooftop of the factory where the man works. Every day, white, gray-haired Iver takes his lunch on the roof, where he sits with this bear, dubbed Ellsworth. Iver takes it upon himself to care for Ellsworth, clearing away dead leaves, snow, or rain streaks, depending on the season, and making sure his ropes are fastened. One day, Iver is very slow going about his business, and he tells Ellsworth he is about to retire. The following spread is an exemplar of restraint with few words (" 'I'm going to miss you,' he says"); this is succeeded by a few spreads with no words, showing only in pictures the characters' stories in parallel: Iver eating alone in a diner and going to the movies by himself; Ellsworth loosed from his rooftop ropes, blowing across the city. The happy ending resolves neatly when Ellsworth lands-where else?-on the roof of Iver's home. Larson's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations fit the tone, portraying a riverside industrial city with rolling hills beyond in suitably subtle grays, browns, and greens. Bare trees, a white background to the images, and the muted colors suggest this takes place in winter; companionship in the winter of life is a cozy theme, portrayed comfortingly here" —Kirkus Reviews

"This gentle story about friendship, devotion, and commitment features an unlikely pair: an elderly man and an inanimate (or is it?), inarticulate inflatable polar bear that adorns the rooftop of the factory where the man works. Every day, white, gray-haired Iver takes his lunch on the roof, where he sits with this bear, dubbed Ellsworth. Iver takes it upon himself to care for Ellsworth, clearing away dead leaves, snow, or rain streaks, depending on the season, and making sure his ropes are fastened. One day, Iver is very slow going about his business, and he tells Ellsworth he is about to retire. The following spread is an exemplar of restraint with few words (“ ‘I’m going to miss you,’ he says”); this is succeeded by a few spreads with no words, showing only in pictures the characters’ stories in parallel: Iver eating alone in a diner and going to the movies by himself; Ellsworth loosed from his rooftop ropes, blowing across the city. The happy ending resolves neatly when Ellsworth lands—where else?—on the roof of Iver’s home. Larson’s pencil-and-watercolor illustrations fit the tone, portraying a riverside industrial city with rolling hills beyond in suitably subtle grays, browns, and greens. Bare trees, a white background to the images, and the muted colors suggest this takes place in winter; companionship in the winter of life is a cozy theme, portrayed comfortingly here. (Picture book. 3-7)" —Kirkus Reviews

"It’s a quiet ending that glows with happiness. Words and pictures come together seamlessly, each enhancing the read-aloud experience. Robinson’s spare, understated text uses repeated phrases that bind the story together gracefully. Capturing the feeling behind the words, Larson’s illustrations feature well-structured pencil drawings with warm-toned watercolor washes. This comforting picture book is more than the sum of its parts." —Carolyn Phelan, booklistonline.com

"With its heartfelt, endearing characters and unusual setting, Iver & Ellsworth is sure to be a bedtime favorite." —Deborah Hopkinson, BookPage

"This list of books includes so many truly exceptional, unique, and special books, there's no doubt at least one of them is gonna make your summer reading (and upcoming school year anticipation) a little more wonderful. Many of these books come from small publishers and may not have made their way to your local book store or public library yet. Talk to your local bookseller or librarian and request them. That's an easy way to make sure even more readers have the opportunity to meet these stories!" —Matthew Winner, elementary school librarian, Picture Book Recap for May

Casey W. Robinson writes stories for children, but they aren’t always about children. She occasionally drives past a rooftop bear in the nearby city of Worcester. She lives in Maynard, Massachusetts. Melissa Larson is an illustrator who is likely off to a new somewhere (she can’t sit on the same rooftop very long). She prefers peanut butter and jelly on her whole wheat. She lives in Parma, Idaho.