THE CAVE OF SNORES

by Dennis Haseley ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1987

This picture book's overt theme is that even snoring has some value--in scaring thieves away. Although intended to provide as much reassurance as entertainment, it does have problems. The author, a psychotherapist, suggests that trust in a father, even when he is criticized by others, will be justified when you are mature enough to face your own fears and follow in his footsteps. This is not a bad premise, and it works fairly well couched as a parable about shepherds facing danger in the mystical nighttime world. The illustrations are dark, soft, and amusingly smug, suiting the tone of the story. The characters all look like bathrobed Christmas shepherds; it is to be hoped that they do not offend anyone as caricatured Arabs, for they obviously represent an imaginary land. What is offensive, however, is the stereotyped use of a robber with a finger missing. The use of an amputee to represent evil and danger should have been avoided by an author trained in psychology and, if not, should have been edited out. This slight tale would amuse any child who has had to live with a snorer (and relieve the snorer's embarrassment as well). Perhaps laughing at the racket can make it less irritating. It is too bad that thoughtlessness mars this otherwise pleasant little story.

Pub Date: April 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S