Imogene's Antlers
by David Small
Date: 1985
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library
The family doctor, the school principal, and even Imogene's know-it-all brother, Norman, fail to resolve her dilemma. Imogene, the cook, and the kitchen maid, however, make the best of things, finding unusual uses for Imogene's new horns. Meanwhile, the problem appears to be solved when Imogene awakes the next morning antler-free. But the family (and the reader) are in for a surprise when Imogene comes down to breakfast.
(synopsis from Goodreads)
I'd heard of this book before I picked it up. Not surprising, given that it's been around for over 35 years now.
Imogene's Antlers is a cute story about a little girl who wakes up one Thursday morning to find that she has antlers. This takes some getting used to, and everybody has their own reaction. Some are helpful (the kitchen staff turn her into a giant birdfeeder) while others... not so much (her mother just continually faints). Imogene herself doesn't seem too upset by her new accessories, and goes to bed that night seemingly content. When she wakes on Friday, her antlers are gone. But are her problems?
The illustrations are quite cute, showing the little girl and her family try to deal with her giant antlers. While I wasn't crazy about the mother being depicted as a stereotypical fainting woman, the historical setting makes it not quite as offensive. I also appreciated the author's note in the edition I read, which tells us how he came up with the idea for Imogene and her strange problem.
This is charming and funny, and should appeal to most readers who like a touch of fantasy in their picture books. Give this one a look if you haven't already done so.
Quotable moment:
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Overall: 4.17 out of 5
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