Matt Novak Book Elmer Blunt's Open House

Book Description
A man's house may be his castle, but when late-to-work Elmer Blunt leaves his front door open, his home soon resembles a wildlife preserve. A few curious woodland animals slip in for a look at the kitchen and bathroom and the beds, but never expect to find themselves at the scene of a crime.

A crime! Just what does Elmer make of all this upon his return? Turn the pages and you will find out.
Reviews
FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

When Elmer Blunt leaves the front door ajar one morning, his house becomes the setting for all manner of animal havoc. In a starred review, PW praised the "rollicking slapstick" of the tale and the "uproariously funny" panel illustrations. Ages 3-6.

FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

PreSchool-Grade 2-- As in While the Shepherd Slept (Orchard, 1991), Novak explores the question of what really happens when you're not looking. When Elmer hurries off to work leaving the door ajar, woodland animals enter and make themselves at home. So does a burglar, who's frightened by the animals and flees the scene, dropping his loot. Elmer returns to the disarray, says `` ` . . . I really made a mess this morning!,' '' and tidies up. As he falls asleep appreciating his ``safe, quiet house,'' the creatures, who've been hiding beneath his bed, exit silently through the window. This enjoyable book has several things going for it. Essentially, it's a wordless picture book with occasional captions, which is a useful combination. The story line is developed and understood via sequential illustrations, putting preschool ``readers'' in the driver's seat, making them responsible for finding and paying attention to Novak's charming touches. At the same time, the brief text imposes some structure and invites the participation of adults. The illustrations (in oil pastels) are fairly simple; each picture contains a funny (often slapstick) detail or two targetting preschoolers' interests. It's a book that's sure to add a lot of fun to family reading.