Emilio Sloth's Modern Manners

August 15, 2024
A dapper sloth explains the importance of being courteous. Clad in a top hat and polka-dotted cravat, Emilio sets out to meet Neeta Swan for scones and tea. Many people believe that sloths move slowly, but Emilio has a different perspective: "I think certain things are worth taking my time." What if Kumiko Nightingale were to sing a lovely song? The accompanying image shows Emilio happily taking in Kumiko's music. And what if Emilio met a new friend? An illustration shows Emilio making the acquaintance of an adorable little mouse. One needs time to make a proper introduction and inquire about a friend's day. Emilio also stresses the importance of listening: "If she is sad, I listen. If she is happy, I listen." Remembering a new friend's name is imperative, too. After all, "every name has a story!" The visuals depict Emilio journeying to meet Neeta, pausing to interact with others, and demonstrating respect and empathy for everyone. Ahdieh's purposefully meandering text is filled with funny asides and sound insights alike; this tale goes beyond typical etiquette-focused stories, getting to the heart of what it means to be considerate. Marley's cartoonish artwork anthropomorphizes the animals with quirky accessories. Readers will chuckle as the final illustration zooms out for a hilarious twist. A primer for good social graces--not just the standard "please" and "thank you"!(Picture book. 4-7)

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September 23, 2024
In this work about a character who knows how to make others feel seen and valued, Ahdieh (The Wrath and the Dawn), making her picture book debut, and Marley (Charlotte and the Nutcracker) extend the realm of manners to social-emotional awareness. Sloth Emilio, portrayed with gentle, alert eyes, believes that some things are “worth taking my time” (“Did you know there are a hundred ways to tie a cravat? Some days it is difficult to decide”). Donning a top hat and cravat to meet a friend, Emilio heads out with enough time to prioritize punctuality as well as appreciate a nightingale acquaintance’s park song and engage in a brief but meaningful conversation with new friend Mildred Mouse. Prizing mutuality, Emilio responds when asked after, then returns the favor: “When she talks, my favorite thing to do is take my time to listen. If she is sad, I listen. If she is happy, I listen.” In a conflict-free story that moves at its protagonist’s measured pace, Emilio’s heartfelt intentionality, and digital art that exudes earnest, focused calm, speak volumes about remedies to distraction and detachment—namely genuine connection, mindful interaction, and taking one’s time. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman. Illustrator’s agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Agency.

November 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 1-In a world with numerous distractions and demands, it seems there is never enough time, but in this sweet and simple story, Emilio Sloth reminds readers of the most important uses of spare minutes: making new friends, accepting and listening to others, and enjoying the beauty of the world. Emilio, like all sloths, doesn't move quickly, but he is deliberate and thoughtful, carefully tying his cravat every day and selecting the appropriate hat for the day's activities. In addition, he carries a golden pocket watch to make sure he is punctual. Through the course of the story, in which Emilio is on his way to meet his friend, Neeta Swan, to share tea and scones, Emilio shares the etiquette that guides his day: be on time when meeting a friend; make sure to ask a new friend's name, because each individual and name is special; show concern for others by asking about their day; and listen intently when someone is talking. Marley's illustrations nicely capture the whimsy and manners of Emilio. In addition to the charmingly old-fashioned clothes he favors, Emilio is often shown hanging upside down, with his pocket watch and hat (held with a chain and a cord) dangling as he listens intently. Emilio's facial expressions, in particular his eyes, project the emotions he is feeling and his great empathy. VERDICT A gentle reminder that everyone possesses the golden commodity of time when it comes to showing courtesy, compassion, and care for others.-Sally A. James

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