I had heard about Norman Enormous before. Someone told me they loved it. The person was someone I didn’t know that well, so I couldn’t have possibly made a calculated assessment on whether or not the book was actually good.
So, I read Norman Enormous and I was skeptically reading along and lo, each and every line I fell more and more in like.
Norman Enormous, who lives all alone in Upper Saint Strone, is enormous. He dreams of having a very best friend so he pulls a name from the phone book and sends an invitation to tea – to Norman Not-so-enormous (or really quite teensy; teensy enough to ride on a mouse).
When Norman Not-so-enormous turns up for tea, things start out awkwardly, but pretty soon the two Normans discover they actually have a lot in common. They both love to play cards. And sing in the shower at night. And perform interpretive dancing. Rhinoceros wrestling in huge bowls of jelly is also a fave.
The future is certainly bright for this unlikely friendship but it’s the details and hilarity along the way that take this lovely story to a whole other level. Like Norman Enormous combing his hair with a rake and using an inflatable pool to hold his spaghetti and using traffic light poles as drink stirrers. Or like Norman Not-so-enormous riding mice, hiding behind toast or wearing action figure outfits for miniature dolls.
That's when like turned to love. Heartwarming AND funny and very Dave Hackett.
Title: Norman Enormous
Author/Illustrator: Dave Hackett
Publisher: Penguin, $14.95
Publication Date: 2 February 2009
ISBN: 9780143502227
Format: Soft cover
For ages: 3 – 8
Type: Picture Book
