Where Are You, Wilbert?

Cute story about a rat, crocodile, and the rat's imaginary friend who play hide and seek. Great read aloud for storytime at the library.

Hide and seek anyone? It's the tiny grey rat's turn to be "it" and after counting down, off he goes to find his large gray friend Wilbert whose hiding... mmmmm... somewhere. He looks up and down and in and out but he cannot find her anywhere. Oh my, she's good!!! Baffled by his friend's ability to become almost invisible little rat asks a random crocodile if maybe he could give him a hand at locating his friend. They try scouring the area one more time but no luck.

Finally the little rat zeros in on Wilbert's hiding spot and excitedly exclaims...

"Hey Wilbert!" the rat shouted. "I can see you! You're it!"
Then the rat asked the crocodile, "Can you see Wilbert's ears?"
"No," said the crocodile.

What? You can't? This book informs us that we all see things differently, and sometimes we have blindspots that block our view completely. This book is about co-operation, friendship and imagination. The words are sparse but the illustrations are amazing. I especially love the crocodile, he stole my heart. I highly recommend this book.

A simple story of hide and seek takes on new meaning when a little rat is a giant rat. The illustrations in this title are what makes this simple story great.

Fun and interesting take on a simple kids game. Teaches perspective and what we see is not necessarily what we get or what is true. Fun to read with kids. Would recommend!

Where are you Wilbert by Bárdur Oskarsson is a picturebook about a small gray rat and her large gray friend, Wilbert. They are playing hide-and-seek. Wilbert is tough to find, so the rat asks a passing crocodile for help. Together, they hunt behind every tree they can see, and finally, the rat spots Wilbert. But the crocodile can’t see Wilbert, even when he’s standing right in front of them. Why not?

Where are you Wilbert is a sweet picturebook about imagination and friends. I like the minimal text and light colors in the illustrations. The effect is gentle and sweet, emphasizing the way different people see the world. I like that even though the crocodile cannot see Wilbert, he is still friends with the rat and does not make fun of her for their differences. I found the book to address perspective and imagination well, while keeping the story sweet and enjoyable.