bookshelf

DARKNESS AND THE BUTTERFLY

Name: DARKNESS AND THE BUTTERFLY
Author: Ann Grifalconi

by Ann Grifalconi ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1987

bookshelf

In a book that in its technique and setting is a companion-piece to her Village of Round and Square Houses (Caldecott Honor Book), Grifalconi explores the fear of the unknown suggested in an old African saying: "Darkness pursues the Butterfly." Osa is fearless by day, a merry tree-climber who is not even nonplussed to find herself lost while wandering near her African village. But making friends with the Wise Woman, she confides the terror that torments her after dark, when her imagination conjures fearsome spirits. Understanding, the Wise Woman suggests that the butterfly, though tiny, possesses enough courage to fly on; and this idea, expanded by a comforting dream in which Osa flies free in a beautifully lit night, gives her the strength she needs to conquer her own fear and return after dark to her rejoicing family. Grifalconi's illustrations glow with the beauty of the African world and the affection of a nurturing family. Like the child in Flossie and the Fox (McKissack), Osa is blessed with both charm and self-reliance. And as in Ets' memorable In the Forest, her journey has a strong undercurrent of the human search for trust and truce with sterner antagonists than the dark.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: April 27, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1987

- BOOK REVIEW
AIN’T NOBODY A STRANGER TO ME
by Ann Grifalconi & illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

- BOOK REVIEW
JULIO’S MAGIC
by Arthur Dorros & illustrated by Ann Grifalconi

- BOOK REVIEW
THE VILLAGE THAT VANISHED
by Ann Grifalconi & illustrated by Kadir Nelson

bookshelf

HOW TO CATCH A REINDEER

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2022

These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.

bookshelf

The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.

Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022

ISBN: 9781728276137

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH BIGFOOT
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH AN INVISIBLE BAD GUY
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH A GROUNDHOG
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Emma Gillette & Andy Elkerton

bookshelf

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

by Dr. Seuss ; illustrated by Dr. Seuss ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 12, 1957

bookshelf

Another Seuss-chimera joins the ranks of the unforgettable Herlar and with the advent of the Grinch— a sort of Yule Ghoul who lives in a cave just north of who-ville. While all the Who's made ready on Christmas Eve the Grinch donned a Santa-Claus disguise. In gurgling verse at a galloping gait, we learn how the Grinch stole the "presents, the ribbons, the wrappings, the tags, the tinsel and trappings," from all the Who's. But the Grinch's heart (two sizes too small) melted just in time when he realized that the Who's enjoyed Christmas without any externals. Youngsters will be in transports over the goofy gaiety of Dr. Seuss's first book about a villain — easily the best Christmas-cad since Scrooge. Inimitable Seuss illustrations of the Grinch's dog Max disguised as a reindeer are in black and white with touches of red. Irrepressible and irresistible.