I know little to nothing about the author Ann Patchett. I’ve heard they are: YES BEST EVER! And they are: NO DON’T READ EVER! I leave it up to you to decide if The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Patchett is for you.
Due in mid-September 2024, I read this picture book via an online reader copy. I had debated if I wanted to read it as the subject is one I care about, but am very picky about how it is presented. Therefore I was afraid it would not work out as I would like. However, the presentation of the Extrovert and Introvert ideal is nice, but it would have been preferred to see the sister (the extrovert) really getting the “need for quiet” from the brother (introvert) a little more strongly. But overall, it is a nice story with cute, bubbly illustrations that help counter a more serious theme.
And those illustrations are by Robin Preiss Glasser. The tone of the story does not exactly fit the images perfectly, however, it still works. This contrast of a theme of being an introvert at a very extroverted party is serious and allowing it to be countered by a colorful, bold, overly busy setting allows you to relate and empathize without compromising the theme and the author’s style. The world we live in has A LOT of external stimulation and lots of extroverts, but showing you can be yourself and love those who are not like you, and knowing they usually have their heart in the right place, is good.