The Hole

The author demonstrates how a hole might be found anywhere with actual example of a real hole in the middle of all the pages.Our male figure in this black ink drawing set of panels begins the story by moving into a new apartment. Our main character is a male as the drawings are fairly anatomically drawn and he is neither a human nor a directly recognizable animal, but to me looks somewhat like a mouse. That is the nice part about this book in that the figures and story can be what you want them to be inspiring creativity for young and old minds alike, as nothing is totally spelled out in this book.After unloading his moving boxes and making himself breakfast, our main character suddenly notices a hole clear through the kitchen wall leading into the laundry room, but when he goes into the laundry room to investigate, the hole isn't where it was but has moved. As he goes back into the kitchen the hole moves again from the wall to the floor. He is perplexed by these strange events, so calls a science lab to tell him more. They tell him to bring in the hole so they can examine it. After a while he succeeds in capturing the hole in one of his used cardboard boxes and takes it to the lab, where they exam it. They tell him to leave it so they can do a more thorough examination of it. He goes home to wait for the final verdict as to what the hole may mean, how it got there and why it keeps moving around. But lo and behold when he gets home, what does he find but?????Since the figures are somewhat anamorphic and there is a bare minimum of printed text, your young reader can make the story into whatever he/she wants it to say. In psychological terms, this would be considered an open-ended exercise. It is a neat concept for kids to exercise their minds and be creative. The other thing is that the kids can see a different story with each perusal through the book. This is a fine example of thinking outside the box.

Very interesting take on a cut-away children's book. I read in a previous review that this particular design brought a 'philosophical' edge to the book, and I think I would agree on that on some level. It's not deep philosophy, but certainly something I think both a child and adult would be able to appreciate in their own respective way. I also just liked having that in mind when I started the book. I suspect some readers didn't like this book because it had no text, not providing them with a set understanding of this situation. But I think if you come to it openly with the intention of going on a little adventure with this character and appreciating the art work, you will not be disappointed.Obviously, I adore Torseter's style- very simple line work, but has this really nice combination on things looking both deliberate and free-handedly playful at the same time. Just feels very informal and loose, which is generally the kind of styles I personally gravitate towards. And, just because I feel like throwing this out there: the materials are really well chosen. While almost never very important to me, sometimes the right binding materials adds just a nice extra tactile experience.

Cute graphics, cute ideas, excellent quality. I only wish I could have had a bit more guidance with the story-telling. I introduce concepts like testing, experiment, checking, persistence. I try to make it fun for a toddler but I could use more text. It is indeed an open-ended exercise and we'll definitely revisit this book as she ages to see what story she can come up with. It is rather short.For adults, there are a few lessons you can draw from this as other reviewers have mentioned, including the futility of perfectionism but I cannot figure out where the "deeply expressive" review is coming from.

I'm not sure who the target audience is for this book; it's nicely drawn and only has a few words of text. The book would be fun to read with your kids/ grand-kids or keep on the coffee table to share with your adult friends.

Very creative illustration. As an illustration lover I am glad that I have this book in the library, however the story did not attract my 6 year old girl. I guess this book is great for the adults :)

It's a little heady for some of my kids, but others loved it. It is very creative and cool to read and discuss, but if your child likes light reading or simple stuff, you may put this one in the archives for a bit or be prepared to challenge them a little.

Very fun book. It's not going to challenge your philosophy, or change your world perspective, but I do think there are some hidden themes to be discovered and discussed.

A unique story for children. No words, but a clear, easy to follow plot. I love the device of having the small hole go all the way through the book and show up on every page.

Smart idea but ultimately disappointing - the story doesn't go anywhere and it all seems a bit pointless in the end.

Great concept. Nicely illustrated. Encourages excited interaction

Clever book

The book is such a disappointment. I was expecting something very amazing. Amazon shipped it perfectly though.

This was a really interesting read for my 4.5-year-old son. The 'hole' in the book really threw him for a loop and got him thinking.