The Hueys in The New Sweater by Oliver Jeffers
All of the Hueys are the same. They are all white ovals with skinny, stick legs and arms. They even acted and thought the same, until one day when Rupert knitted himself a sweater. It was a bright orange sweater with zig-zags and it made him stand out from all of the other Hueys. Rupert was very proud of his sweater, but the other Hueys often reacted in shock and horror at it. Rupert went to talk with Gillespie, who was also intrigued by being different. Gillespie knitted himself a sweater just like Rupert’s and that way they could both be different together! Slowly, the other Hueys started to accept that Rupert and Gillespie were different. In fact, they embraced it, and everyone knitted themselves orange sweaters just like Rupert’s. Now everyone was the same again, until Rupert decided to try a hat!
There is something completely winning about these little creatures that Jeffers has created. So much of this book depends on the images, the style, and the feel. Jeffers manages to create a community that is completely homogenous but not cult-like or frightening. Instead it’s a community that has tea, hangs pictures, and seems very friendly. Even their reaction to Rupert’s sweater is never angry, more one of disbelief, shock and even some tears.
The writing is light and merry, keeping the entire book positive. Jeffers has cleverly created a book that speaks to creativity and being your own person, not being afraid of leaving the crowd, but also one about what happens when your idea is taken over by the crowd. The answer? Do something else!
A great pick for a bedtime read, the book is a smaller format than many picture books and will not work well with a large crowd. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Reviewed from copy received from Philomel Books.