4.5 Stars

It’s Ivan Vert’s birthday and his sister, Estie is super excited. She organizes a party and invites the neighbors. Who doesn’t want a party? Ivan doesn’t. He is more than happy to spend time with his family and snuggle under a blanket to read his book. How will the extroverted sister and her introverted brother handle the day? 

I knew I had to read this one after Rosh reviewed it. I’m an introvert bordering on ambivert depending on my mood. Parties are okay for as long as I want to socialize; then you go home, lol. 

Anyway, this is an adorable little book about siblings with different personalities. Neither of them is wrong or right. They are who they are, which is emphasized by Mr. Vert’s dialogue (twice). Easy acceptance of their kids and supporting them too. 

Mrs. Vert is cool. She knows what her children want and lets them be. Seems she is an ambivert and Estie got her genes from Mr. Vert. There’s Grandma Vert too, though I don’t know why she’s drawn like one of those old ladies from the classics when others had a more modern style. Maybe it reflects her taste (cool, though). 

As the story progresses, we see the sister trying to understand what her brother wants and giving him that even if she cannot fully comprehend it. The kids love each other, which is evident in their interactions. 

The illustrations are so vibrant and messy (in a good way). Some pages are a riot of color but it all makes sense. I love it! My favorite ones are towards the end where Estie makes the makeshift comfy tent at the back of the sofa. A little gesture that speaks so much! And boy, those curls! I want Estie’s curly hair (look at the cover picture). 

The characters are diverse and inclusive. There are varied pets and more kids. Though I wonder how that little child slept through all those sounds. Haven’t been around kids lately but I’m sure some moms would be delighted if their younglings did the same. 

To summarize, The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts is a delightful read about how kids (and adults) can be comfortable being who they are without having to become someone else. Moreover, they can co-exist and live comfortably in the same space. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and HarperCollins Children’s Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.