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IN THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN

Name: IN THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN
Author: Carole Lexa Schaefer
ISBN: 0-8050-1958-8

by Carole Lexa Schaefer & illustrated by Lynn Pauley ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1994

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Both author and illustrator make promising picture-book debuts in this lyrical paean to a Seattle children's garden. Schaefer includes some specifics (the ``deep, dark dirt, rich with rotted grass, apple peels, and onionskins, is tunneled through by worms who wriggle it loose, and give it air'') but dwells more on sensory effects: the sounds of tools in dirt, the feel of patting the earth, the moisture of well-soaked beds ``under the sizzling sun,'' the lush effect of all the crops together; and while she acclaims the garden's welcoming fecundity, she doesn't really convey the children's sense of accomplishment. Pauley reflects the celebratory tone in freewheeling pencil and dazzling colors. Few of her flora are recognizable, but she does capture the sun-dappled green, an exuberant spray of water, and the garden's joyful aura with impressionistic panache. Not essential, but an interesting and well-matched pair of first efforts. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: June 1, 1994

ISBN: 0-8050-1958-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1994

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
CHICKEN TALK AROUND THE WORLD
by Carole Lexa Schaefer ; illustrated by Pierr Morgan

- BOOK REVIEW
MADE BY HAND
by Carole Lexa Schaefer ; illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

- BOOK REVIEW
THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN
by Carole Lexa Schaefer ; illustrated by Pierr Morgan

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)