Reviews: (by author)

Priceman, Marjorie. It's Me, Marva!: A Story about Color and Optical Illusion. New York: Knopf (Random House), 2001. $15.95. ISBN 0-679-88993-0.

There is indeed, as the cover copy claims, a lot more to this book than meets the eye, at least upon first reading. That means, this book can be read and looked at many times. Its seeming simplicity is disarmed by sophisticated, humorous paper-cut art and by the many illusions embedded on the pages. Even on its surface, the book presents an enjoyable challenge to one's eyesight, for Priceman has included many perception games within the basic story of Marva, whose day sort of goes crazy beginning with her getting ketchup in her hair, follows her to the beauty parlor (her hair comes out pink, later turns purple), to the Laundromat where an unwise inclusion of new blue jeans with other clothes turns her wash different, unintended colors, then home where her ingenuity using various jello flavors winds up with mud-colored wiggly stuff. These colorful results are explained, so that the book is not only enjoyable and intriguing but also informative. Children will certainly enjoy the many optical games Priceman provides, and perhaps their hearts will be warmed by the whimsical romance also embedded in the story. Well done.

Alida Allison, January 2004

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