LITTLE NINO'S PIZZERIA

by Karen Barbour ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 10, 1987

A large, lushly illustrated welcome to the lively world of an urban pizzeria--with bold illustrations and a poignant story, Barbour has created an unusual book. Tony's dad, Nino, makes the best pizza in the world. People line up for blocks to get a slice; his pizzeria, Little Nino's, is a favorite among the neighborhood's poor, who receive a share of the leftover pies. Tony is his father's helper, handy with sauce and dough and popular among the patrons. The pizza shop is so successful that one day a rich man (dressed in a green suit covered with dollar signs) buys Nino out and sets him up in a fancy new restaurant, christened Big Nino's. Alas, Big Nino's is such a success that Nino has no time for Tony, or the customers, or the poor. So, to Tony's joy, Nino sells out and returns to the old shop, which he renames Little Tony's. The illustrations, which employ Matisse-like blocks of bright color, make this truly special. There's a European flavor to the pictures and a warmth that underscores Barbour's pithy tale.

Pub Date: Sept. 10, 1987

ISBN: 0152463216

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S