Herman and Rosie live in busy NYC and though they live in nearby apartments, they have never crossed paths. They work in mundane jobs (Herman in telephone sales and Rosie as a dishwasher/jazz singer) and have their own interests, but both are lonely creatures. Herman’s oboe playing and Rosie’s jazz singing have brought them within earshot of each other, but it isn’t until they both lose their jobs and after a long ramble in the city, that they finally meet. Rosie is drawn to Herman’s oboe solo and follows the melody until they unite on Herman’s rooftop under a full moon. The story climaxes with their mutual love of music, performing in a jazz quartet. I don’t quite know what to make of this picture book/love story. Some of the illustrations feature vintage postcards, newspapers, collages and lots of sight gags, while others are more kid-like. But the illustrations do capture the lure and vitality of the city at its best. The anthropomorphic adult characters of Herman, a Lyle the crocodile look-alike, and Rosie, a goat/deer/antelope morph, are not exactly relatable for young readers. An all-animal cast, as this book has, does not make it a bona fide children’s story. The plot, too, may be a little urbane for young readers. Although it’s a picture book ostensibly for children, it has a definite adult vibe about soul mates finding one another, not that there’s anything wrong with that. Herman and Rosie love in New York and are both Jazz musicians. Through a series of unfortunate events, they both loose their jobs. Although the two live quite close to one another, they've never met. The two finally connect after their depression clears and they bond over their mutual love.The illustrations in this work are truly an example of mixed media, with photographs, newspaper clipping skylines, and traditional paintings throughout, this book is striking.
What do You think about Herman Und Rosie (2012)?
One of the most beautiful picture books I've ever read. Even the cube farm is gorgeous.
—info
LOVED this book...story AND illustrations! So unique, unusual...so lovely!
—poly
One of the best children's books I've seen in a long, long time.
—tiagokosta
