Ludwig and the Rhinoceros

One night before bed, Ludwig informs his father that there is a rhinoceros in his bedroom. Father dutifully checks the whole room, but he cannot see a rhino, so he concludes there isn't one there. But Ludwig is a budding philosopher, and he realizes that it's harder to prove that something is or isn't there than one might think.This is definitely a thought-provoking story! I'm not sure I want my kindergarten students informing me of all the things that might be in our classroom, but I'm never one to stop them from wondering. Reality has always been a bit of a slippery concept, and I'm delighted at how this book tackles that concept in a humorous and playful way.

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read Ludwig and the Rhinoceros. Noemi Schneider has written a funny, curious bedtime story for children that may keep them up at night pondering. Ludwig tells his dad that there is a rhinoceros in his room and of course, his father does not see one and tells him so over and over again when Ludwig keeps pointing out where the rhinoceros is. Ludwig tells his dad that just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there like the moon at times at night.

Believe it or not, this fun search for a rhinoceros hiding in a little boy's bedroom turns out to be about Ludwig Wittgenstein, and whether or not it is possible to prove something ISN'T there. I LOVED the touches of humor throughout, and the screen printed illustrations by Golden Cosmos.I'll definitely be buying a copy of this for my grownup son who has a degree in philosophy, and loves to argue.Many, many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the read.

I ordered this book for my grandsons (ages 9, 7 and 3) on the basis of a rave review in the Sunday New York Times. It is definitely unique, in both art and concept. However, the story is neither charming nor gripping. Only the 9 year old was somewhat interested in the tie-in to Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein--which is explained at the end of the book. I will be surprised if they ever pick it up again on their own.

I thought Ludwig and the Rhinoceros was okay at first, but my impression of the book improved after I read the author’s note and read the story again. It has a philosophical slant. Is something really there even if you can’t see it? Is there really a rhinoceros in Ludwig’s room? His dad certainly doesn’t think so. The illustrations, done mainly in primary colors, are charming and make the storyline pop.

I wanted this to be cute. However, it felt repetitive and the ending threw me. Shouldn’t kids be able to have an imagination? Just didn’t understand the dynamics with the dad and his son.I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a sweet story about a boy who sees a rhinoceros in his room but his father can’t, even when the boy tells his dad where to look. Beautiful, primary color graphics and a fun story introduce children to philosophy. There is more information about a German philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (after whom the main character is named) and his way of thinking in the author’s note at the end of the book.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books for sending me this ARC via NetGalley. Ludwig can see the a Rhinoceros in his room but his father can’t, even when he tells him where to look. The story is sweet and simple and I liked the color palette with its blues, yellows and orange giving it an old fashion flair. The final message is about philosophy which was a surprise and the book is promoted with a nod to budding philosophers. The story is fun and well illustrated. Philosophy may have to be explained to young readers but they can still enjoy the story.