THE ADVENTURES OF HOLLY HOBBIE

by Richard Dubelman ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 14, 1980

Although presented as fiction for ""children of all ages,"" this sugary lollipop adventure--featuring the calico-and-bonnet character Holly Hobble (currently cutesy-ing up greeting cards and toys)--is essentially a juvenile for, say, the 7--10 age group. (Even within that set, however, more sophisticated readers wouldn't give Holly Hobble a tumble.) Still, the sleuth-and-chase plot here has a respectable Disney-episodic, pop-pop propulsion. Out of an old portrait steps 13-year-old Holly Hobbie, born in the 18th century, to help grieving Liz Dutton find her lost Dad--archaeologist Melville Dutton, presumed lost in the jungles of Guatemala, where he was searching for a lost Mayan city and attempting to prove a theory about the Mayans' expertise in astronomy. Across the country go modern Liz and 18th-century Holly, following clues: an ancient pendant; Mel's letters and diaries; and rumors about Mel's partner Wilkins (who may not be what he seems). The girls visit major cities, scholars, and museums. They meet rock singers, friends of Mel, and sneaky Wilkins--who, with deadly design, spirits them to the Guatemalan jungle, where they finally meet Dad. Thanks to an earthquake and a revenge killing, all hands escape. . . . By juvenile-adventure standards--fair enough, though weighed down by textbooky lore about Mayan art and culture and all those tiresome ho-ho's about Holly meeting the 20th century. (She sees an automobile: ""For a minute there I thought we were witnessing a visitation of Ezekiel's fiery four-wheeled chariot."") And the mild appeal here may increase when a promised movie version appears.

Pub Date: April 14, 1980

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1980

Categories: FICTION