Review – Arty by Penny Schneider
Synopsis
Arty is not your typical you see a fish you fight betta fish. He knows how he is supposed to be, but he feels different. What he wishes for most is a friend. He doesn’t know about this friend stuff, or if he can even have one. All he knows is that he really wants one. Along comes a silly sea slug and his world flips upside down.
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Review
This is such a cute book—perfect for everyone! Although it may be aimed at younger readers, anyone will enjoy the story, witty banter, and gorgeous illustrations.
It is the story of friendship between a Betta fish and a slug. Betta fish are supposed to fight everything they see, but Arty is different and wants a friend. He doesn’t expect to find it in a slug, but their journey is entertaining. Arty and the slug are on a journey to find the wise snail to get answers to their pressing questions.
This book made me laugh. There are so many witty lines peppered throughout the book. And then, there are “outtakes” which made me laugh even more. You don’t expect to find that in a book.
The graphics are amazing. They fit the story perfectly, and the illustrations are professional.
There are even pages where readers can add their own illustrations or thoughts to the questions posed, such as what their next adventure should be or what game they should plan.
While this book is longer than you might think at 100 pages, the story flies by and can be read in 15 minutes since each page is illustrated. But don’t fly through the book; stop and enjoy each illustration.
I highly recommend this book and give it 5 paws up.
About the Author
Penny Schneider is a Long Island, New York based author and illustrator who has loved doodling her entire life. By day she is a high school art teacher and by night, a superhero in sweatpants to her daughter, husband.
Her love of art and making children laugh and happy led her to her career as an art educator and now to writing and illustrating children’s books. She loves using any art media she can get her hands on, but if you asked what her favorite would be, she would simply say paper and pencil.
