Rachel Roellke Coddington

King Mortimer was a monarch with OCD. His fixation with the number five led to him surrounding himself with numerous examples of that number, whether it be five knights or five queens. But when he suddenly noticed that he had grown a sixth finger, and none of the plans proposed by his advisers for ridding himself of this unwanted digit seemed feasible, he was forced to reevaluate his policies regarding the number five...

An original fairy-tale from Jolby - an illustration and design studio based in Portland, OR - and Rachel Roellke Coddington, The King's 6th Finger pairs a rhyming text with colorful artwork. Unfortunately, although I did find the illustrations here quite appealing, in a quirky, humorous way, the text itself was so awkward and contrived that I simply couldn't enjoy the book. The rhyme-scheme was often forced - "I have a cure, Your Fiveness!" / Said old Wizard Pikehead. / "But something tells me / You're not gonna like it" - and the rhythm of the whole piece was just off. This one might have appeal for those looking for picture-books featuring OCD, but otherwise it isn't one I would recommend.… (mehr)

I chose this book as one of my own person choice books because I haven't gotten a chance to read a local picture book this term. I loved this book! It is so fun for children who live or want to learn about the Pacific Northwest. Jolby's illustrations are incredible, and the stories behind all of the monsters are very creative and silly. It gave off almost a mythical vibe, for example claiming that the reason the water hits the rocks beneath the Bridge of the Gods is due to Klick and Tat, the monsters that live underneath it, playing practical jokes on each other. I think that any classroom learning about the Pacific Northwest or bridges would find this book to be very inventive.… (mehr)