The Story of Diva and Flea

Title: The Story of Diva and Flea

Bibliographic information:

Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Tony Diterlizzi

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (October 13, 2015)
• Language: English

Reader's Annotation:

Diva is a very small dog who never leaves the courtyard of her Parisian apartment building.  Flea is a bold flanneur who calls all of the city home.  Can these two unlikely friends overcome their differences and discover the meaning of bravery?

Interest Level: Ages 6-8

Lexile level: 750

Awards, if applicable: Not Applicable

Plot summary:  Diva has a very important job; as the dog of the gardienne of 11 avenue Le Play she watches over the courtyard.  If anything happens, no matter how big or small, she will yelp and run away!  Flea has no job at all - he is a flanneur who lounges around Paris, discovering new things every day.  When these too meet, their differences seem insurmountable - but with a little bravery, they just might become lifelong friends.

Critical review:  The art in this book is incredible.  The lines are very reminiscent of the art nouveau style, which is also the style that dominates most of Paris at its most elegant. The color choices, dominated by a limited green, grey and red palette, bring to mind the work of Arnold Lobel and other mid-century artists.  Together, the combination of lines and colors create a thoroughly modern story with a classic appeal: a perfect match for the text.

Why include it?

Reminiscent of Frog and Toad and other classic books about unlikely friends, this elegant little book is a delightful early chapter book. The illustrations and typography have a level of sophistication which contrasts the playful simplicity of the book.