AUNT NANCY AND OLD MAN TROUBLE

by Phyllis Root ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1996

In the stylized voice of a storyteller, replete with old-fashioned comparisons and idiosyncratic syntax, Root (Contrary Bear, 1996, etc.) tells of Aunt Nancy's triumph over Old Man Trouble by pretending that all the bad luck he sends her way are really blessings. The story begins when Old Man Trouble dries up Aunt Nancy's spring and ends when he restores it, believing that he is mining her stated run of good luck. When they part company, they're both pleased with the results. Root's text seems to take Aunt Nancy's side, while Parkins's art is more in Old Man Trouble's corner. One side of each spread features an elegant, black-and-white silhouette; the other has a large oil painting, realistically rendered but for the facial expressions and postures of the characters, which are closer to caricature. The motifs are familiar, the execution has life and wit, and the overall effect is captivating.

Pub Date: May 1, 1996

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1996

Categories: CHILDREN'S