Norman and Brenda

Children's Literature - Della A. Yannuzzi

Norman and Brenda are two hapless people who are not popular, good looking, lucky, successful, or happy. Nothing is happening in their sad lives. Norman feels as though life has started without him. Brenda feels life is passing her by. Both of them always feel stuck somewhere that is not fun—like washing the dishes while everyone else is enjoying the party. And, they have bad luck no matter where they go. Norman feels as though a dark cloud is hanging over his head. Although Norman and Brenda go to work on the same bus, they never meet. When both reach the age of forty, they believe their sad lives will never, ever change; so, they buy birds to talk to and visit nursing homes. They put ads in the paper looking for soul mates, but none of these things work out for them. Then one day, Norman and Brenda meet in the oddest way and realize no matter how bad things can get, there is usually someone out there who is right for you. You just have to be in the right place at the right time. The messages in this book are good; optimism, hope, and so forth, but young readers may not be able to identify with the adult characters. Older children have a better chance of understanding the subject matter. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi

Kirkus Reviews

Norman and Brenda toddle separately toward middle age desperately lonely, believing they will never find a companion. When their pet goldfish and salamander abandon them, they give up all hope until a chance collision brings them together. These pitiable, ragged characters trudge across double-page panels in this pint-sized picture book, with Norman's story on top and Brenda's below. Lissiat's illustrations, sharp sketches amid washes of purples, blues, browns and grays, perfectly capture the bruised souls of two quiet, peripheral people. Simply told, their stories mirror one another, making readers aware of many ironic little brushes with potential happiness. The stacked graphic layout reinforces the unhappy characters' achingly close proximity to their future soul mate. Lyrical repetitions of language also echo between Norman's and Brenda's worlds, fairy tale-like. Though it's presented solidly from adult emotional perspectives, some teens will relish this realized romance between two unlikely ugly ducklings. This deeply affecting story makes clear just how elusive happiness can be, and how wonderful it is when you finally find it. (Picture book. YA, adult)