Flora & Ulysses

Flora & Ulysses

Based on the book written by Kate DiCamillo

It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry—and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart.

From #1 New York Times best-selling author Kate DiCamillo comes a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format—a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black-and-white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell.

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Book:

I have read a handful of this author’s books and find them whimsical, fun and surprisingly deep with meaning, yet written in a manner kids can easily understand. I feel her books are appealing to children and adults alike. This book is written with both chapters and imaginative graphic drawings to help propel the story along. I feel this is a good transition for young readers by introducing short chapter formats and interspersing it with drawings.

Film:

I felt the film was very well done, the CGI of the squirrel was fantastic and realistic. Some of the other CGI animals were not done as well, though I understand it was for comedic and story-telling effect. Overall, the film followed the book closely and the actors were cast perfectly. I found the film engaging and entertaining as an unlikely hero (a squirrel) helps several characters see beyond what they know and bring a struggling family closer to healing by working together towards a common goal.

Heidi Y.