Joyce, William. A Day with Wilbur Robinson. Illustrated by William Joyce. HarperCollins, 2006. ISBN 9780060890988. $16.99. 40 p.
Reviewer: Gillian Streeter
Reading Level: All
Rating: Outstanding
Genre: Humorous stories; Picture books;
Subject: Eccentrics and eccentricities--Juvenile fiction; Lost and found possessions--Juvenile fiction; Books--Reviews;
Joyce's signature 1930s-style, brightly colored illustrations and quirky perspective return in this expanded reprinting of A Day with Wilbur Robinson, published in anticipation of the film adaptation being released next year. Readers follow an unnamed blond boy as he visits his friend Wilbur's house and aids him in finding his grandfather's false teeth (and his grandfather, whom no one has seen lately). The text frequently describes typical at-home situations like Wilbur being needed in the backyard by his father and hilariously places these scenarios alongside illustrations of Wilbur's father and the family robot, or the text itself will mention how the dinosaurs were by the pool again because the Time Machine had been left on. There are new illustration spreads in this reprint, but they blend seamlessly into the story. Joyce's dry humor and exuberant pictures combine to make a treat for young readers and adults alike. This would make an excellent addition to a home, school, or classroom library, but illustration details will be missed if this book is used as a read-aloud.
