The Big Blue Thing on the Hill - Tapa dura

Zommer makes a rousing debut with a story about forest creatures faced with a menacing adversary. ... Zommer's digital artwork retains a cozy, painterly sense as he gives the boars splotchy coats, the insects delicate wings, and the microbus dainty white curtains (its human inhabitants never emerge). Best of all are his hilarious predators, whose cross-eyed stares, sheepish expressions, and toothy grins make them instantly loveable. Children will delight in the creatures' dogged efforts to reclaim their home, and they'll appreciate the bonus ending-after-the-ending, too.
--Publishers Weekly

Detailed, playful, digital art succeeds in heightening humor. One thing's for sure: This will be a big hit.
--Kirkus Reviews

The text changes in shape and size, giving movement and emphasis to the tale. Watching the forest denizens band together against an interloper is an enjoyable example of teamwork, with the tiniest critters saving the day. The pictures display variety in the animals' faces and demeanor and resemble gouache paintings. Children will enjoy contemplating the animals' next plan of action and appreciate the surprise ending.
--School Library Journal

Children ... will get a kick out of recognizing something that bewildered woodland creatures do not... An entertaining story with a surprise sting in its tail.
--The Wall Street Journal

Hoots, toots, buzzes, and puffs make for a fun read-aloud experience, while goofy illustrations in a naturalistic palette match the energy of this silly story. The digitally created art has a loosey-goosey painting style reminiscent of Vladimir Radunsky's You? (2009) or Hip Hop Dog (2010).
--Booklist Online

The conversational tone of the writing adds solid readaloud value, and the surprise ending is genuinely amusing.... This might make an interesting partner with Ed Young's Seven Blind Mice (BCCB 3/92); creative types might also find dramatic performance possibilities here.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The humorous pictures, especially the facial expressions on the animals, create an enjoyable experience for the reader; many sound effects words help to create the scene. This would be a good book to read without showing the illustration of the VW van and let students guess what the big blue thing might be.
--School Library Connection

This crazy animal caper will have you cheering for the little guys!

When the Big Blue Thing (a camper van to us humans) arrives on Howling Hill, the local wildlife all agree it has to go. First the wolves try to scare it away, then the bears, boars, and foxes have a turn. Finally the wise owls suggest sending the smallest critters — the insects — to do the job. A cloud of bees, flies, and dragonflies make sure that the Big Blue Thing runs away at top speed!