Raymond the Buffalo

by Lou Beauchesne

[annieb123]

To be posted to my blog at release: Nonstop Reader.

Raymond the Buffalo is a beautifully illustrated young reader book with a surprisingly subtle plot and resolution. Due out 11th May 2021 from Orca, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is an early reader chapter book, and what a delight it is. Originally published in French in 2019, this English edition is translated seamlessly and invisibly. The story by Lou Beauchesne is surprisingly subtle and not at all what I expected from a children's book. It's full of small details (like the frontspiece with Gilbert's grandfather's and father's names scratched out and his own name written in childish script underneath) and a surprisingly moving story which spans decades. It's full of funny moments (like Raymond eating lemon pickles and falling into a food coma in the library) and some pathos. The art by Kate Chappell is colorful and full of whimsy.

The plot themes of loyalty, friendship, imagination, kindness, and not least what a wonderful place the library is (and the librarians who keep them running) are welcome and timely. I loved all the characters and their manifest friendship

It would be a superlative choice for school or public library acquisition, artists, teacher education type classes, and allied subjects. I would also recommend it as a really fun bedtime or read-to-me selection with an impressive scope for lots and lots of silly voices and sound effects. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.