Melvin and the Boy

Lauren Castillo; illustrations by Lauren Castillo

Henry Holt and Co.

Download Image Lauren Castillo; illustrations by Lauren Castillo Melvin and the Boy
Buy it now

Available Formats

Book

When a little boy sees a turtle basking in the sun at the park, he thinks he’s found the perfect pet. But when they get home, the boy soon discovers that the only time the turtle comes out of his shell is at bath time. Is it possible that the turtle would be happiest back in the pond? After all, it’s always bath time there!

Lauren Castillo's beautiful art gives this gentle story about finding the right pet--and, in the end, doing what's right for that pet—a timeless, classic feel.

Connect with the Author

Sign Up for
Author Updates

Macmillan Newsletter

Sign up to receive information about new books, author events, and special offers.

Sign up now

Reviews

Praise for Melvin and the Boy

"Castillo’s expressive artwork gently sets the boy in the center of a friendly, bustling cityscape and deftly conveys his longing for an animal friend, the joy at finally achieving that goal, and the ultimate realization that perhaps a wild animal belongs in the park, not leashed or cooped up in an apartment." --Horn Book Magazine 
 
“Emotionally true and therefore highly satisfying.” --Kirkus Reviews
 
"With pared-down, rhythmic words and mixed-media illustrations filled with spot-on body language and details from an urban child’s world, Castillo elevates the familiar theme of a child’s unrequited yearning for a pet, adding a welcome twist when the boy, not the parents, is the first to recognize that Melvin belongs in the wild.” --Booklist

In the Press

MELVIN AND THE BOY by Lauren Castillo, Lauren CastilloKirkus Book Reviews
Read the Kirkus Review of MELVIN AND THE BOY . A boy wants a pet, but his parents turn down his requests until he asks to bring a turtle home from a pond in the park.
- Kirkus Reviews

Reviews from Goodreads

Back

About the Author

Lauren Castillo; illustrations by Lauren Castillo

Lauren Castillo has illustrated several titles, including the critically acclaimed What Happens on Wednesdays by Emily Jenkins and Buffalo Music by Tracey Fern. This is the first book she has both written and illustrated.

Lauren Castillo

Back

Reading Guide

For Parents and Educators

Get the Activity Guide

Download the Melvin and the Boy projects for children to do at home and in the classroom.

Download PDF
Back

Buy the Book

Available Formats and Book Details

Melvin and the Boy
Lauren Castillo; illustrations by Lauren Castillo

Hardcover

Hardcover
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Henry Holt and Co.
July 2011
Hardcover
ISBN: 9780805089295
ISBN10: 0805089292
Picture Book
9 x 8 inches, 40 pages, Full-color illustrations throughout
Age Range: 4 to 8
Grade Range: p to 3
$16.99
Buy
Back

From The Publisher

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Twitter

Back

{ About }

{ Services }

{ Store }

{ Publishers }

Education

Children's

© 2011 Macmillan