A charming story illustrated with a pleasantly washed watermelon palette. I like the bouncy voice, and I think it's kind of interesting to have a first-person narrative for a picture book.Since this story is so reliant upon a reader's familiarity with New York for much of its humor, however, it may be one that is better suited as a gift for adult with affectionate ties to that city than for a child.An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review. When a New York City cabdriver picks up a fare, little does he realize that the other side of town will take him to a place that is very familiar yet different from his usual journey. From the Finkon Tunnel, named after Gabe Finkon, to the Spankees baseball team instead of the Yankees, things are apparently awfully strange on the other side of town. When the cabbie finally gets home, he finds that his wife too knows something about the heretofore unknown place where he's been. It's a strange, imaginative book, but unless readers are familiar with New York City, many of the references will be lost on them. The simple illustrations show exactly how unique the world is on the other side of town. Who knows what you might find if you venture over to yours?
What do You think about The Other Side Of Town (2012)?
Cute, quirky book about the mysterious and only slightly different "other side of town."
—cherokeekydd
I just adore this guy. He is brilliant. And he cracks my kids up every time.
—mari_eva8596
Weird twists on New York places were lost on the 5-year-old.
—sammi
