Manolito Four-Eyes

Manolito Four-Eyes (Manolito #1)

Elvina Lindo, illustrated by Emilio Urberuaga

Marshal Cavendish, 2008

$15.99, Hardcover

978-0761453031

March 16^th, 2012

Genre: Realistic

Age: 9+

Description: Various chapter vignettes tell the life of Manolito Garcia Moreno, a 10-year-old boy named after his father’s truck. However, Manolito is more formally known in his neighborhood as Four-Eyes because of his thick glasses he’s worn since he was five. Readers learn about Bozo, his younger brother who’s real name he can’t remember since “Bozo” kind of stuck; his “whole lotta cool” grandpa he shares a room with; a psychologist he tells his whole life story too because he can’t seem to shut up; his best friend Big Ears; the One-and-Only Susanna, the cute girl; and Ozzy, the school bully.

Opinion: Originally published in Spain in 1994, Manoliti is a children’s classic over there. I, however, found it utterly dull. While the drawings are reminiscent of Quentin Blake, the chapters move slow and are boring. I have nothing good to say about this story. I really can’t see kids or tweens getting into it.