Ice Boy - by David Ezra Stein

About the Book

Tired of helping others cool their drinks, Ice Boy proceeds to sneak out of the freezer and heads to the beach, where his edges begin to blur. Eventually he melts and becomes Water Boy and then he evaporates and turns into Vapor Boy. Then a big storm freezes him back into Ice Boy and sends him home--before a new adventure begins.

Book Synopsis

An ice cube in search of adventure stars in a comical (and very cool) tale of transformation from Caldecott Honoree David Ezra Stein.

Ice Boy has a normal life. He likes goofing around with his siblings ("Don't lick your brother!"). He listens when his parents tell him that being chosen to cool someone's drink or be a cold compress is the best thing that can happen to an ice cube. But Ice Boy wants more. So even though his parents tell him never to go outside, and even though his doctor tells him never to go in the sun, Ice Boy decides to head for the beach, where he rolls right into the water ("Best day ever!"). But suddenly his edges begin to blur. . . . From the creator of the best-selling Interrupting Chicken comes an offbeat and funny story of daring to venture into the unknown, whatever form it may take.

Review Quotes

Stein (Tad and Dad) renders his funny mixed-media paintings in bright blues and stormy grays, and peppers them with quippy dialogue balloons ("Am I dense, or did I just become a liquid again?"), proving that science can be empowering on many levels and that "you do you" can contain multitudes.
--Publishers Weekly

The pictures are brilliant, sprinkled with cute, poignant speech bubbles from the characters. The layout of Ice Boy's different manifestations is very visually appealing. This story will provoke a lot of different emotions ... amusement, sentimentality, anxiety, confusion, but ultimately, relief.
--Story Monsters Ink

Stein's offbeat, animated story makes lively work of the water cycle with cartoonish, doodlelike illustrations of the adventurous ice cube set against aqueous backgrounds, and speech balloons from Ice Boy and his friends add humorous running commentary. A comical caper with a stealthy dose of basic science concepts.
--Booklist

Funny and entertaining, this book starring an independent ice cube is a truly enjoyable tour through the water cycle that offers insights into the dynamics of life in the freezer.
--School Library Journal

Stein's joyful, varied mixed-media illustrations will bring smiles to young readers' faces...Ice Boy knows how to enjoy what life has to offer, from a dip in the ocean to a tickly ride on a waterspout. Young readers are often taught about the water cycle; this droll story will be fine addition to a classroom library
--The Horn Book

Readers will be drawn into the transition from Ice Boy to Water Boy to Vapor Boy, and will gleefully anticipate his next predicament. The illustrations maintain Ice Boy's spunky character, even as he evolves and changes forms. With a direct link to science curriculum, this title will provide students with a narrative of how the water cycle unfolds and comes full circle.
--School Library Connection

Reviewed
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

David Ezra Stein is the creator of many award-winning picture books, including Interrupting Chicken, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor, Because Amelia Smiled, Dinosaur Kisses, and I'm My Own Dog. He lives with his family in Kew Gardens, New York.