Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo

"Holy bagumba!"

Bibliography:

DiCamillo, Kate. 2013. Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures. Illustrated by K.G. Campbell. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763660406

Plot Summary:

Flora Belle Buckman is a natural-born cynic obsessed with her comic book hero Alfred T. Slipper, AKA Incandesto, and hates romantic literature; it's no coincidence that her mother is a romance novelist. One day, Flora witnesses an incredible, mind-blowing scenario where a squirrel is vacuumed by an oversized Ulysses 2000X vacuum cleaner in her neighbor's yard. In an attempt to be like her hero, Flora runs over to Mrs. Tickham's house to save the squirrel. Not only does Flora save the squirrel, but in an act of holy unanticipated occurrences, the squirrel magically gains superpowers from his near-death experience. This miraculous incident leads into an adventure with Flora and the squirrel, Ulysses, as they bond together in discovering his new super-abilities. But like any superhero story, Flora and Ulysses must battle the fight between good and evil, facing villainous characters along their journey and finding unexpected friendships and squirrel poetry admiration.

Critical Analysis:

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo is a low fantasy story that blends unique formats of the novel and comic book panels. Readers will wish they had a Ulysses to look after and help save the world. Flora is a relatable protagonist who isn't nearly the cynical girl her mom makes her out to be. As the plot unfolds, readers will become invested in Flora and Ulysses' story and the quirky side characters that help them throughout the narrative. The plot is original and consistent with fantasy hero stories of good versus evil and the hero's journey to overcome obstacles and villains.

The story's setting is crucial in reflecting low fantasy themes, especially emphasized visually by realistic illustrations in the full-page comic panels. The novel also conveys universal themes that transcend time, including love, friendship empowerment, and good conquering evil. The author, Kate DiCamillo, creates a distinctive and creative perspective that inspires readers to escape into a believable story with fantasy concepts. Her choice set of complex vocabularies is not for the feint of heart, and readers of all ages will learn a new definition. I recommend this entertaining and hilarious blended novel to middle-grade readers and anyone looking for an adventure or a slightly challenging read.

Review Excerpts:
Awards & Recognitions:

2013 National Book Award Nominee for Young People's Literature
2014 Newbery Medal
2015 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee

From Booklist, "Newbery-winner DiCamillo is a master storyteller not just because she creates characters who dance off the pages and plots, whether epic or small, that never fail to engage and delight readers. Her biggest strength is exposing the truths that open and heal the human heart. She believes in possibilities and forgiveness and teaches her audience that the salt of life can be cut with the right measure of love."

From Kirkus Reviews, "Original, touching and oh-so-funny tale starring an endearingly implausible superhero and a not-so-cynical girl."

From School Library Journal, "Rife with marvelously rich vocabulary reminiscent of the early superhero era (e.g., “Holy unanticipated occurrences!”) and amusing glimpses at the world from the point of view of Ulysses the supersquirrel, this book will appeal to a broad audience of sophisticated readers. There are plenty of action sequences, but the novel primarily dwells in the realm of sensitive, hopeful, and quietly philosophical literature."

Connections:

After reading Flora & Ulysses, ask patrons or students to write their own versions of squirrel poetry. The poetry can be as serious or silly as they wish. Be prepared to help come up with words or rhymes if needed.
Flora & Ulysses has a complex set of vocabulary words in this novel. Create a list of all the unique words from the story and ask patrons or students to choose at least one to study to practice their vocabulary skills. For instance, how many sentences can they come up with? What's their personal definition of the word? Do they understand the meaning? Encourage everyone to openly discuss what their vocabulary word means to help one another learn new words and phrases.

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Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo