Seven different areas of the earth—Australia, Nigeria, the American Southwest, Bali, Kazakhstan, India and Wales—are represented through folktales celebrating the natural world and the interdependence of living things. An introduction to each tale describes the cultures and beliefs of the peoples, and an ecological activity follows each story. “The Magic Garden” (Kazakhstan), for instance, tells the story of two friends who discover gold together; a wise man recommends that they use the gold to send a young student to “plant the garden of [his] dreams on the steppes.” The young man impulsively uses the gold to free birds meant for the Khan’s table, and the birds repay him by planting a magic garden. Instructions for making a pinecone birdfeeder follow the tale. Wilson’s folk-art designs in cool, earthy colors decorate the pages, and lively borders are particular to each story. A welcome addition to storytelling collections as well as a good choice for children to enjoy by themselves. Sources for the tales are well documented in an annotated bibliography. (introduction) (Folktales. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-84686-224-3
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2009
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
Trickling, bubbling, swirling, rushing, a river flows down from its mountain beginnings, past peaceful country and bustling city on its way to the sea. Hooper (The Drop in My Drink, 1998, etc.) artfully evokes the water’s changing character as it transforms from “milky-cold / rattling-bold” to a wide, slow “sliding past mudflats / looping through marshes” to the end of its journey. Willey, best known for illustrating Geraldine McCaughrean’s spectacular folk-tale collections, contributes finely detailed scenes crafted in shimmering, intricate blues and greens, capturing mountain’s chill, the bucolic serenity of passing pastures, and a sense of mystery in the water’s shadowy depths. Though Hooper refers to “the cans and cartons / and bits of old wood” being swept along, there’s no direct conservation agenda here (for that, see Debby Atwell’s River, 1999), just appreciation for the river’s beauty and being. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: June 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7636-0792-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2000
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