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LOOP THE LOOP

Name: LOOP THE LOOP
Author: Barbara Dugan
ISBN: 0-688-09647-6

by Barbara Dugan & illustrated by James Stevenson ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 14, 1992

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Illustrator Stevenson takes to wheels twice this month: in his own book about babies (below) and, here, in Dugan's fine debut—the story of a friendship between a little girl and a feisty but increasingly forgetful neighbor in a wheelchair. Mrs. Simpson invites Anne to tea and shows her some terrific yo-yo tricks. When she's hospitalized, Anne adopts her cat; later, visiting her in a nursing home, Anne gives Mrs. Simpson her beloved doll, thus completing the circle suggested in the title (the name of a yo-yo game)—the old lady assures Anne that ``I know all about babies.'' The brisk narrative is full of funny, poignant conversations in which Mrs. Simpson mixes past and present; skillfully, Dugan balances the underlying sadness of her situation with the warmhearted humor that makes it bearable. Stevenson's depictions of the perky, sympathetic child and her beaming, if somewhat batty, friend hit just the right note of gentle humor and affection. A frequent theme, treated with unusual insight and imagination. (Young reader. 5-10)

Pub Date: April 14, 1992

ISBN: 0-688-09647-6

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
GOOD-BYE, HELLO
by Barbara Dugan

- BOOK REVIEW
LEAVING HOME WITH A PICKLE JAR
by Barbara Dugan & illustrated by Lee Baker Karen

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WILD, WILD WOLVES

by Joyce Milton & illustrated by Larry Schwinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1992

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At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)

Pub Date: April 1, 1992

ISBN: 0-679-91052-2

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
DINOSAUR DAYS
by Joyce Milton ; illustrated by Franco Tempesta

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RIVER STORY

by Meredith Hooper & illustrated by Bee Willey ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2000

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Trickling, bubbling, swirling, rushing, a river flows down from its mountain beginnings, past peaceful country and bustling city on its way to the sea. Hooper (The Drop in My Drink, 1998, etc.) artfully evokes the water’s changing character as it transforms from “milky-cold / rattling-bold” to a wide, slow “sliding past mudflats / looping through marshes” to the end of its journey. Willey, best known for illustrating Geraldine McCaughrean’s spectacular folk-tale collections, contributes finely detailed scenes crafted in shimmering, intricate blues and greens, capturing mountain’s chill, the bucolic serenity of passing pastures, and a sense of mystery in the water’s shadowy depths. Though Hooper refers to “the cans and cartons / and bits of old wood” being swept along, there’s no direct conservation agenda here (for that, see Debby Atwell’s River, 1999), just appreciation for the river’s beauty and being. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)