Sunshine Book Review

Sunshine

By Ludwig Bemelmans
Expected publication by Thames and Hudson: September 22, 2020
Originally published: 1950

Mom's Review
You might recognize Bemelmans's name and/or artwork; he created the Madeline books. He also wrote a number of books for adults, of which I have read The Eye of God (a 1949 publication set in WWII Tirol that is cringe-worthy by today's standards and eye-opening to read as an artifact of its time). Sunshine was originally published in 1950, and the two aspects that shine in its re-release are the notations that explain out-of-date language and an afterword by Barbara Bemelmans placing the story in context of of their family life. Be sure to read that afterword! 

Mr. Sunshine is a discriminating landlord in Gramercy Park who will rent only to people whom he judges worthy. After rejecting many potential lessees, he finally signs with a little old lady who seems respectable and quiet. When he discovers that she runs a private music school out of her home, he endeavors to break the lease. His lawyer explains that this is illegal, and readers can enjoy a bit of schadenfreude as the nasty landlord stews in his misery. With the awkward rhyming reminiscent of Madeline and a loosely constructed plot that involves the music teacher accidentally buying 2,000 umbrellas, T and I have our criticisms. Nevertheless, T has asked for me to read it multiple times, which I am happy to do because I like Bemelmans's drawings. 

Son's Review
(Age: 5)

It's related to Madeline. It's by the same author, and the pictures look the same like Madeline pictures. It's a good thing.  

It didn't feel much like a story because it didn't have much. I thought it felt like a part of a story, but not like an actual story itself.

Note: A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

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