APA Citation: DiCamillo, K. (2013). Flora and Ulysses: The illuminated adventures. (K.G. Campbell, Illus.) Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
Plot summary: World-weary Flora doesn’t think much of saving a squirrel from a horrible vacuum cleaner fate – it’s just the right thing to do. Post-vacuum cleaner, however, the squirrel has been reborn with special powers (strength and flight, among them). Flora, delighted, decides to name the squirrel Ulysses and smuggle him into her house. Suddenly, her parents divorce doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, because she now has the perfect companion gifted with zen-wisdom.
Relation to other works: This is definitely a unique story, but fans of the wacky action and eccentric characters might also enjoy Neil Gaiman’s Fortunately the Milk.
Appeal: A wacky concept and fun plot, this story will immediately hook readers. Of particular note is the zen-like wisdom that Ulysses adds during the chapters taken from his perspective. The included comics also add another fun dynamic.
Audience or readership: Ages 9-12.
Limitations or weaknesses: While I enjoy a quirky character as much as the next person, these characters were a little too quirky for me. Also, Flora speaks like no ten-year-old I’ve ever encountered before, and I found the dialogue to be jarring at times. I think this is an example of style over substance.
Overall assessment: Though the concept is really fun, I wasn’t convinced by Flora’s voice or her interactions with her family. I think that younger readers will really take to the chapter-book/graphic novel hybrid, and will be completely charmed by Ulysses. Grade: B
KIDS LIT FTW! 