Much ado about very little in this incoherently sketchy easy reader. Finding in succession a copy of The Fairy Handbook, a magic wand, and a packet of fairy dust on her porch, impulsive young Posh tries to do the dishes and find a neighbor’s missing pooch by magic. Not being one to read instructions, however, she fills the kitchen with suds, discovers a mermaid in the bathtub, and creates sundry other mishaps. Luckily, she lives with Pish, a more methodical “best friend,” but also, to judge from the resemblance in Bottner’s rapidly drawn illustrations, either her mother or her big sister, who reins her in and organizes the clean-up. Pish and Posh both sport pointy, doglike ears in the course of this episode—which, along with the fit-and-start pacing may leave young readers wondering what they’re missing. Not much. (Easy reader. 6-7)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-06-051416-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2003
That Bynum comes up with so many lines to rhyme with “Altoona Baboona” deserves some kind of acclaim, even if the rhymes make readers laugh and groan at the same time. Altoona Baboona is an ape that “gets bored on her dune-a,” hops a “hot air balloon-a” and goes south to “Calcun-a.” On her hot air travels Altoona meets up with a loon-a and a racoon-a, who come back to the dune-a for an evening bonfire and roasted marshmallows. Bynum’s watercolors have a breezy ocean air feel to them, as light and buoyant as her simian heroine. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-201860-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
PLB 0-7358-1050-8 This tale of sudden riches from Falda (The Angel and the Child, 1995, etc.) examines the true meaning of friendship. When Owl sees Squirrel unearth a treasure chest, he quickly notifies the other forest creatures. Together, Rabbit, Mole, Badger, and Bear try to envision the contents of the chest. Falda whimsically describes the creatures’ dearest desires—from carrots for Rabbit to glasses for Mole. Owl disdainfully discounts these fanciful notions, informing the animals that treasure chests are always full of gold and other riches. He also believes that such riches are certain to alter Squirrel, as wealth has often led to the demise of friendships. Alarmed, the animals rush off to discover Squirrel’s intentions; Squirrel has converted his treasure trove of seeds and nuts into a cake for all of his friends. Falda prevents sentiment from overwhelming the charming forest setting and the cast of imaginative, endearing friends. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: April 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7358-1049-4
Page Count: 26
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1999
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