Books › Officer Buckle and Gloria
Officer Buckle and Gloria
First published 1995 · 33 pages
A delightfully deadpan comedy of errors where the real story unfolds in the hilarious, unspoken background.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like being let in on a wonderful, chaotic secret. The text is wonderfully deadpan, delivering dry safety tips with absolute seriousness, while the true joy lies in the riotous slapstick comedy unfolding in the illustrations just behind the narrator's back. It moves at a brisk, energetic pace, propelled by visual gags that will have young readers giggling at the dramatic irony. Yet beneath the physical comedy and lighthearted mayhem beats a deeply warm heart. It explores the dynamics of teamwork, the sting of feeling overshadowed, and the ultimate realization that we are always better together. This is a perfect read-aloud for children who love feeling one step ahead of the adults, offering a cozy, joyful atmosphere that delights both kids and parents alike.
- Mood
- cheerful
- chaotic
- cozy
- joyful
- Tone
- playful
- earnest
- deadpan
- warm
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- unlikely friendships · teamwork · sharing the spotlight · mutual appreciation
- The writing
- Straightforward and deadpan, serving as the perfect earnest counterpoint to the riotous visual comedy.
- The arc
- Moves from unappreciated earnestness to a brief sting of betrayal, resolving into a heartwarming realization of mutual dependence.
- Who it's for
- Young children who love slapstick humor and dramatic irony, alongside adults who appreciate clever background details.
About the book
"Besides the beguiling story, the affable illustrations of the smiling Gloria, the accidental mayhem in the background, and the myriad safety tips -- such as 'always pull the toothpick out of your sandwhich' and 'never lick a stop sign in the winter' -- add to the enjoyment. A glorious picture book." -- The Horn Book "Rathmann is a quick rising star in the world of chidren's books. In this book, she again shows her flair for creating real characters, dramatic situations and for knowing what will make young audiences giggle and think." -- Children's Book Review Magazine "Rathman brings a lighter-than-air comic touch to this outstanding, solid-as-a-brick picture book." -- Publisher's Weekly "A five-star performance." -- School Library Journal
Description from Open Library.
Books like Officer Buckle and Gloria
See why they match
Good Night GorillaPeggy RathmannA hushed, giggle-inducing bedtime pantomime where the pictures tell a secret story of gentle mischief.
Teach Us, Amelia BedeliaPeggy ParishA delightfully chaotic romp through the quirks of the English language where every instruction is an invitation to harmless disaster.
Stick dogTom WatsonA hilarious, food-obsessed romp following a pack of goofy dogs on a single-minded culinary mission.
Go, Dog. Go!Philip D. EastmanA high-energy, colorfully chaotic romp that turns the simplest words into a joyous celebration of movement.
Mercy Watson goes for a rideKate DiCamilloA sunny, slapstick joyride that turns a quiet Saturday into a delightfully chaotic adventure.
Imogene's AntlersDavid SmallA delightfully deadpan exploration of waking up different and deciding to just roll with it.