THE RED JAGUAR

by Alison Prince ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 20, 1972

The setting is still recognizably, if vaguely, British despite a title change from The Red Alfa -- presumably in deference to the Jaguar's higher recognition quotient. Robbie and Kevin indulge their fantasies of being cars (a coat, for example, is a radiator cover) only in moments of respite from Kevin's more serious problem. Kevin, who comes from a poor family, had stolen a small amount of money to buy his sister candy, but the theft the next day of his classmates' collections of campaign buttons convinced them that he was an incorrigible thief. The resolution is ever so tidy, as the real button thief turns out to be a senile patient from the old people's home next door, and in the process of vindication Robbie and Kevin learn all sorts of lessons on the importance of truth telling, looking before crossing the street (there's an auto accident as they run away from the school) and forgiveness (of the old man who meant no harm). Kevin's guilt and fear of discovery are just real enough to make all those explicit morals unobjectionably reassuring.

Pub Date: Oct. 20, 1972

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1972

Categories: FICTION