Writing Style

A common theme in Rosemary Wells' stories is the use of animal characters rather than humans. In the children's journal Stone Soup, Wells has stated that she writes using animals because it allows her to address sophisticated, controversial topics in a way children can understand and adults can accept. For example, Yoko tackles the thorny topics of racism. It is about a young Japanese kitten who is ostracized when she brings sushi in her school lunch. At the book's conclusion, she gains acceptance by hosting a school luncheon where everyone brings food native to their family. Many of the animal characters...such as those in Max and Ruby...interact with one another much as humans would, while others such as McDuff...a West Highland Terrier...take on a more realistic role as the adopted pet of a young couple.

Illustrative Style

Like her writing, Wells' illustrations have grown more complex and sophisticated over the years. Her early works like Noisy Nora are expressive, but do not have much shading and are simpler inked-in drawings. In comparison, Yoko and the later Max and Ruby books are full of color and detail, with fully realized backgrounds and landscapes.