The Hole Story

May 1, 2017

K-Gr 2-In this original British tale, Hamish and Hermione are two holes who leave their abode in a wedge of Swiss cheese and seek a new home "where holes can be useful" and bring joy. After attempting to take up residence in the king's sock and the queen's knickers, the holes create decided unhappiness and chaos in the royal palace. As Hamish and Hermione move into new homes, their colors change to suit each situation, encouraging readers to spot their hiding places and figure out the inevitable impact they will have on the secondary characters. The warmly hued illustrations contain subtle details, such as the dish running away with the spoon in the opening pages, reinforcing motifs and inviting discussion. Appropriately, the holes' adventures are conveyed through a series of circular vignettes, underscoring the idea that all things have a purpose in life. It is with relief that Hamish and Hermione, through the efforts of the royal carpenter, find a home in freshly carved flutes for the prince and princess. However, the king and queen are not too thrilled at hearing their children practice until the wee hours of the morning, so the holes are still somewhat of a nuisance. VERDICT While lengthier than the average picture book, this quirky read-aloud asks questions about what it is that makes one special, and the clever solution is delivered in a humorous and delightful way.-Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2017
A first step into the world of ontology, picture-book style! Two holes, Hamish and Hermione, try to find a new home when their Swiss cheese is eaten by mice. With nowhere now to live and wishing to be "useful," they leave the "dreary kitchen" of the royal palace to search for other meaningful locales. The king does not appreciate Hamish's new location on his sock. Hermione chooses the queen's knickers, and she is equally distressed. Remember, they are holes. Their choices spiral into a comedy of errors as bike tires deflate, boats sink, and balloons burst. "Everyone thinks we are a nuisance," says a frustrated yet confident Hamish. "But holes can be useful too." Ingman's hand-painted blotches of color show a surprising array of emotions with just two eyes and a mouth each, an occasional blushing cheek, and stick arms and legs. These two characters (portrayed as corporeal even though holes are defined as "nothing") change color to match their surroundings, like chameleons. They are most frequently portrayed running away, Gingerbread Man-style, from surprised royalty and castle staff, all white. Will they ever find a place to call home? What objects need holes? Bright's text deftly captures the quest for and fulfillment of true usefulness while allowing for more complex subtleties to percolate. A good choice for budding philosophers. (Picture book. 4-9)

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July 1, 2017
When mice eat a chunk of Swiss cheese, the two leftover holes become homeless. They try to take up residence in the king's sock, the queen's undies, and so on, but must flee before they're sewn up, etc. Finally, they prove their usefulness in a pair of royal flutes. It's a fresh premise, but the art occasionally looks incomplete.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)