No Fits, Nilson! by Z. OHora

Authors

  • Connie Winther

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20361/G2P590

Abstract

OHora, Zachariah. No Fits, Nilson! New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013. Print.

No Fits, Nilson! is a children’s story book written and illustrated by Zachariah OHora. Mr. OHora has written several other well received children’s books and is an accomplished illustrator.

It is about Amelia and her best friend Nilson, a large blue gorilla. These two inseparable characters have such a strong friendship that they even share time-outs. Running errands with Amelia’s mother is a test of patience and Amelia provides support to her big blue friend with the encouraging words “no fits, Nilson” and promises of banana ice cream. Amelia herself gets tested when the banana ice cream runs short, but in the end Nilson is a true friend who lends a helping hand. This is a story of patience and fits, friendship and support, and is a reminder that sometimes life is challenging for children as they learn to navigate the world.

No Fits, Nilson! is illustrated with beautiful flat drawings in a rich pallet of turquoise, pink, and mustard yellow. The simplicity of the illustrations together with the use of white space and a simple bold black font draws the reader’s attention to the facial expressions and emotion of the characters and this is the strength of the book.

This book is recommended for preschool children as a read aloud story. While the story does not recommend ways to manage difficult behaviours, it will be sure to stimulate conversations between children and their caregivers about feelings and behaviour.

Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars
Reviewer:  Connie Winther

Connie is a Medical Librarian with Alberta Health Services. She has a broad interest in health care and medical librarianship. When not working, she enjoys all types of outdoor activities with her family.

Author Biography

Connie Winther

Metadata and Collections Librarian

Published

2014-10-16

How to Cite

Winther, C. (2014). No Fits, Nilson! by Z. OHora. The Deakin Review of Children’s Literature, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.20361/G2P590

Issue

Section

Book Reviews