Imagine That – a Hoot & Olive Story
Written and Illustrated by: Jonathan D. Voss
Published by: Henry Holt and Company New York 2019
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Theme: imagination, friendship, keep trying
Opening Lines: Olive had a great big imagination, which was only just a smidge smaller than her huge heart. Her best friend Hoot, had a heart that was equally big.
Synopsis: (from Amazon) Olive is a little girl with a big, bright imagination. Hoot is her stuffed-animal owl…and her best friend. The two love adventures of all sorts. But on the rainiest of days, there is only one thing to do: stay inside and imagine a whole new world.
Just as they’re about to begin their adventure, Hoot makes a shocking discovery―his imagination is broken! Like the best of best friends, Olive comes up with some ideas to help him. But nothing is working: not the head unscrambler, the earmuffs, or the hypnosis. Just as the two are about to give up, Olive remembers the secret ingredient to imagination, and they give it one more try.
Why I like this: It’s beautiful. Trust me you will love it. From the illustrations, which are kind of large, simple, old worldly and dramatic. Olive has a pixie face almost fairy-like. Hoot is her stuffed owl. The cuteness in Hoot trying to find his imagination, while Olive’s larger than life imagination fills the page. The author uses basic picture book tools such as the use of three’s in attempting to fix a problem. Tension rises and suddenly she works out how to fix it. They try one more time. I love near the end when their imagination is all around them and Hoot thanks Olive for showing him the most important part. Already they are thinking of what great adventure their imagination will take them tomorrow. This beautiful story comes full circle with an aww ending. The themes of friendship, helping one another, and never giving up, makes this a classic to keep. This is the second book in this Hoot and Olive Series.
Resources/Findings: The author’s website has a youtube video of himself producing artwork for this book as well as pictures of inside the book. http://www.jonathandvoss.com/imagine-that Along with other beautiful artwork.
Thoughts and resources on imaginative play… https://www.learning4kids.net/2011/12/30/what-is-imaginative-play-and-how-to-encourage-it/
Writer and Dreamer at work 
I love the cover and enjoyed watching the artist do the illustrations. Loos like a delightful book.
Glad you liked it Darlene. Yes I too loved seeing the artist at work.
Beautiful cover! And I appreciate the themes of friendship and perseverance.
Thank you Gabi. So glad you popped over.
Hoot’s thought that he has a broken imagination is so precious. Thank you for sharing this book, I’m adding it to my wish list.
You’re very welcome Leslie. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
This sounds wonderful, Diane. It wears its heart on its sleeve, I’m thinking, in a good way. Will seek this one out. Thanks for the rec!
You’re welcome Jilanne. It is a gorgeous book.
Diane, this is one of my favorite books from last year! I adore the reflected image of their imaginary castle on the cover. The whole book is magical and Hoot and Olive remind me so strongly of Christopher Robin & Pooh.
Ha yes they do too, Maria. It is a magical book. I hadn’t come across it in my library before now. So glad I did. 🙂
Love that cover as it is very inviting! I had a huge imagination as a child, so I am drawn to stories like this one. Sounds like a magical journey!
Yes me too. I still wander off in my imagination some times. Especially at night. Enjoy! Thanks Pat.