School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Ebenezer loves words so much that he writes them in his journal. He adds to his collection every day and tries to sell them at a modified lemonade stand. When he meets Fitzgerald, an idea collector who asks him questions, they are able to entertain their classmates and families with the stories they create together. Because Ebenezer has a hobby that is uncommon, the story touches on the moments he feels lonely and disappointed, but the digital illustrations never show him giving up. He remains a collector of words whether he's at a grocery store (linguine), at home at his sister's birthday party (exhausting), or at the library (habitat). Back matter includes a page of definitions and pronunciations. VERDICT This is an appealing book about building vocabulary and constructing stories, as well as an awesome and satisfying friendship story. A great addition to picture book shelves.-Tanya -Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta. © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Ebenezer collects words but can't find other people who appreciate them. Then one day in the school library he meets fellow kid Fitzgerald, an aspiring storyteller; Fitzgerald's problem is, "I don't have the right words." Bingo! Although new friend Fitzgerald seems to appear out of nowhere, the thickly outlined, rudimentary-style digital illustrations, which have the look of children's art, otherwise keep things real. Glos. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Words are precious to Ebenezer, but none more than friendship. Ebenezer collects words: "linguini," "disappointment," "possibility," "catastrophe." Words make him giddy but lonely. Other people just don't understand him. When his family suggests ordinary names like Walter or Skipper for Ebenezer to name his goldfish, he instead decides on Arty, short for Carassius auratus. He considers his sister's insistence on pink "exhausting." When his classmates are not excited by words such as "parka" or "clamor," Ebenezer is despondent. At his favorite library, he meets Fitzgerald, who is brimming over with a head full of stories but who lacks the words to tell them. Together, they form the ideal friendship. Lighthearted illustrations, primarily green, gray, and orange, infuse a note of cartoon humor to this slight story and provide some variety in the skin tones of the children in Ebenezer's classroom; Ebenezer presents white, and Fitzgerald has brown skin. A few children lack mouthsincluding Fitzgerald at some pointswhich seems a bit off-putting at times. Additionally, at a time when the children's-book industry needs affirming tales for children of color, it seems odd that Fitzgerald is the one in need of words, perhaps hinting at a learning disability. On the other hand, Ebenezer and Fitzgerald complement one another's abilities. A glossary at the back offers a good learning opportunity for young logophiles.A simple story about a fortuitous friendship. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
