Ludwig and the rhinoceros A philosophical bedtime story

K-Gr 3--Young Ludwig is a philosopher. He thinks, and imagines, and asks questions. He's got a rhinoceros in his room. But his dad can't see it. No matter how hard he tries, or where he looks, or how Ludwig works to convince him, he just can't see it. So, he doesn't believe it's there. Then Ludwig likens his rhinoceros to the moon, which you sometimes can't see, but you still know is there. So, can you ever really prove there's not a rhinoceros in the room? Based on the true story of 19th-century Austrian-born philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, this book is a primer in basic philosophy. But without the back matter explanation, this is also a story of faith. Because what else is faith besides believing in what you cannot see? Ludwig's childlike faith in his rhinoceros will ring true for young believers and imaginers everywhere. Three-color illustrations in a palette recalling that of Goodnight Moon create a vibrant nighttime landscape. VERDICT Purchase for collections where patrons are looking for conversation starters with their little ones.--Jennifer Noonan

In this tale translated from German, a child raises a profound question. At bedtime, Ludwig strikes up a conversation with a rhinoceros. Hearing the chatter, Ludwig's caregiver enters the bedroom and, not seeing the animal, tries to convince Ludwig that there can't possibly be a rhinoceros here. The caregiver searches the room, never seeing the rhinoceros. Readers share Ludwig's perspective and spot the elusive creature on every page. Ludwig argues that it's not possible to prove the rhino isn't here--after all, the moon is in the sky even though they can't see it. The backmatter notes that this concept is a play on philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein's question of how to prove something isn't there, which is much harder than proving something is. The philosophical theory might go over some young readers' heads but could still be thought-provoking. The illustrations rely on just three colors--bright blue, yellow, and red (which blend into other colors when printed on top of one another)--while still giving dimension to shadows and details like wood grain on the dresser. Giving little ones--Ludwig and readers--the power of owning the book's perspective is an interesting flip of traditional adult-child dynamics. Here, the child holds the knowledge that the adult struggles to understand. Ludwig and the caregiver have yellow skin. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Even if the philosophy doesn't land, the playful illustrations will still appeal to readers. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.