In this seemingly simple story, Shreeve tackles an emotionally complex topic with sensitivity. Oliver's parents have separated, and now he's starting a new school. Despite its enticing games and toys, he spends his days by the window. Stuffed lion in hand, nose pressed to the pane, he waits to see which parent will pick him up each day. As the seasons change, Oliver slowly begins to join his class in art, snacks and play until he almost forgets his former preoccupation. But when a new student enrolls in the winter and he sees her crying at the window, Oliver goes to her and shows her the window's hidden treasures, making her feel accepted and secure with one tender gesture. McDonald's unpretentious artwork serves the story beautifully with an earnest integrity. Loving texture is imparted on every surface by use of colored pencil, while she cleverly uses Oliver's lion as a device to show his emotional growth throughout the story. The deceptively childlike drawings also exhibit a playful quality, as reappearing critters peek out on each spread. An honest and heartfelt rendering of a serious topic. (Picture book. 4-6)
Kirkus Reviews
PreS-K—Young Oliver has a full plate: his parents are divorcing, he now lives in two houses instead of one, and he recently began attending a new preschool. These major upheavals have taken a toll on his confidence. Oliver holds tight to his stuffed lion for courage as he watches life from the sidelines. Instead of playing with his classmates, he stands at the window watching and waiting for one of his parents to pick him up. "Sometimes Oliver went to his dad's house, sometimes to his mom's. He was never quite sure." Lion is always close by—glimpses of him can be found in each picture. Gradually, as the seasons change, Oliver begins to join activities and to interact with his teacher and the other children. When a new, and very forlorn, girl joins his class, Oliver offers friendship. In a moment of understated triumph, Lion is left on a stool in front of the window while, hand in hand, the boy accompanies the girl to snack time. Soft, pastel colored-pencil illustrations, similar to those by Paul Yalowitz in Eileen Spinelli's Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (S & S, 1991), create a cozy atmosphere with subtle humor. A gentle, charming book.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
October 1, 2009
School Library Journal
Oliver’s life is topsy-turvy since “his parents moved into separate houses,” including attendance at a new preschool, where his only comfort is his stuffed lion. Oliver spends his days keeping to himself and staring out the classroom window, but he eventually begins to socialize with the rest of the class. When an unhappy new student arrives, it is Oliver who draws her into the activities. Softly shaded primitive-style illustrations with playful touches showing Oliver and his classmates engaged in boisterous activities are an ideal match for the simply told story about courage and getting on with life. Although this works fine as a story, it would also make an effective vehicle for starting a discussion to bring out feelings about changes in a child’s life or how to help children feel part of a group. See A New Room for William (2000), by Sally Grindley, and At Daddy’s on Saturdays (1987), by Linda Walvoord Girard, for stories of children in situations similar to Oliver’s. — Randall Enos
Booklist, 11/1/09
Advanced Review - Uncorrected Proof
Not only have Oliver’s parents separated, but he has started preschool. He spends most of the day hugging his stuffed lion and looking out the window watching for one of his parents to come and take him home. But home isn’t the same either. He is never quite sure which house he is going to that night. As the days pass, Oliver gets more involved in his class, painting his mother’s house and drawing his father’s. By the end of the book, he is able to help a new little girl who is standing by the window and crying. Shreeve sets a delicate tone with this book that manages to tackle very serious issues without bogging down into didacticism. In just a few short pages, Oliver experiences real, tangible and believable growth as he works through the changes in his life. McDonald’s color pencil art is simple and almost child-like. Both artist and author use Oliver’s lion as a symbol of his growth to great effect. Recommended for any child going through changes in their life. This is a book filled with hope and ringing with honesty. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Kids Lit, October 15, 2009
(http://kidslit.menashalibrary.org/2009/10/15/oliver-at-the-window/)
When your parents are separated, not knowing which home you're going to can be a source of insecurity. We can feel Oliver's uncertainty as he stands by the window at preschool while the other children play, holding his stuffed lion and wondering who is going to pick him up. As time goes on, he's able to spend less time at the window and play with his classmates. He uses art to work through his struggle, painting pictures of both homes, each with his lion in it. When a sad new girl enters the class, Oliver compassionately joins her at the window, showing her how his lion is a comfort to him. He has moved through his pain and made a new friend. With its gentle, empathic depiction of Oliver's experiences, this sensitive story validates children's sadness and gives hope for resolving it.
Jacqueline Golding, Ph.D., Author of Healing Stories: Picture Books for the Big and Small Changes in a Child's Life; www.Healing-Stories.com
With OLIVER AT THE WINDOW, Elizabeth Shreeve’s sensitive portrayal of a very young boy dealing with the myriad of emotions that surrounds his parent’s separation, a gap in children’s literature is skillfully filled. This not uncommon situation is handled with the grace and expertise not only of a skillful writer but also by an author who seems intimately acquainted with the subject. In a perfectly illustrated picture-book format, the imagery is rich and warm - a well stocked, cozy classroom, under the supervision of the gentle and patient Miss BB, offers endless possibilities for involvement, creativity and self expression. The use of metaphor is also strong - for courage Oliver never lets go of his fuzzy lion, and, as one watches the seasons gradually change through the classroom windows, so too does the reader witness Oliver’s subtle changes. The overriding message, that of healing oneself by helping others, is wonderfully executed when Oliver has the opportunity to reach out and comfort another student and he rises to the occasion. When lion is purposefully left to wait on a chair, the reader is left with no doubt that Oliver will ultimately triumph. Very satisfying and assuring.
Sue A. Campbell, Children’s Book Consultant
Definitely a good resource for parents who are going through a divorce to read with their children. It will start a lot of great conversations and give children permission to talk about what they're feeling about the transition. I look forward to its publication!
Jeanine M. Pontes, Ph.D., Kaiser Permanente, Department of Psychiatry
You tell Oliver's story with such tenderness, sensitivity and economy. It's simply perfect. Congratulations and best wishes on Oliver's success.
Marilyn Wronksky, Children’s Librarian, Corte Madera Public Library
I loved the book -- it really touched my heart. I am sure that families who are going through a separation will enjoy it. It's the type of book that children will want to read again and again. And the illustrations are really lovely!
Melanie Johnson, Ph.D., Psychologist
I very much liked your story particularly so since it is more literary than clinical. It doesn't mention or emphasize the attention of adults to his plight, just the natural evolution of acceptance through his play. It's a lovely story.
Dr. Paul Gilbert, Psychiatrist, Terra Linda, California
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