BIG BAD SHEEP

Name: BIG BAD SHEEP
Author: Bettina Wegenast
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5409-4

by Bettina Wegenast & illustrated by Katharina Busshoff & translated by Helena Ragg-Kirkby ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2012

While the plot moves briskly and the small black-and-white illustrations support the text effectively, it’s hard to imagine...

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There’s no obvious audience for this (very) odd import.

The position of Big, Bad Wolf has recently opened up and Karl, an aggressive sheep, decides to apply for it. Accompanied by his kindhearted friend Locke, he wins a probationary period and dons the wolf’s matted fur and fierce fangs. An unpleasant episode of cannibalism, Locke’s unlikely but effective adoption of the role of Hunter, the rescue of the eaten sheep and Karl’s repentance ensue. Most often presented in picture-book format, fractured fairy tales draw on familiar characters and action then add a twist to bring surprise and humor. There are also some novel-length adaptations that play with folk tale motifs to create original, entertaining versions of traditional tales. It can be tricky, though, to engage older readers using what they might consider babyish plots or themes, so the fact that this translation features elements of "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Pigs" may give readers pause. Add the challenging vocabulary, arch humor, relative brevity and—true to the original tone of German folktales, some downright gruesome elements—and the ideal (or even intended) audience becomes even more unclear.

While the plot moves briskly and the small black-and-white illustrations support the text effectively, it’s hard to imagine who might enjoy this odd mishmash of fairy-tale tropes and philosophical ponderings. (Fiction. 8-10)

Pub Date: April 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-8028-5409-4

Page Count: 64

Publisher: Eerdmans

Review Posted Online: Feb. 21, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2012

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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ESCAPE FROM BAXTERS' BARN

by Rebecca Bond ; illustrated by Rebecca Bond ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2015

Ironically, by choosing such a dramatic catalyst, the author weakens the adventure’s impact overall and leaves readers to...

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A group of talking farm animals catches wind of the farm owner’s intention to burn the barn (with them in it) for insurance money and hatches a plan to flee.

Bond begins briskly—within the first 10 pages, barn cat Burdock has overheard Dewey Baxter’s nefarious plan, and by Page 17, all of the farm animals have been introduced and Burdock is sharing the terrifying news. Grady, Dewey’s (ever-so-slightly) more principled brother, refuses to go along, but instead of standing his ground, he simply disappears. This leaves the animals to fend for themselves. They do so by relying on their individual strengths and one another. Their talents and personalities match their species, bringing an element of realism to balance the fantasy elements. However, nothing can truly compensate for the bland horror of the premise. Not the growing sense of family among the animals, the serendipitous intervention of an unknown inhabitant of the barn, nor the convenient discovery of an alternate home. Meanwhile, Bond’s black-and-white drawings, justly compared to those of Garth Williams, amplify the sense of dissonance. Charming vignettes and single- and double-page illustrations create a pastoral world into which the threat of large-scale violence comes as a shock.

Ironically, by choosing such a dramatic catalyst, the author weakens the adventure’s impact overall and leaves readers to ponder the awkward coincidences that propel the plot. (Animal fantasy. 8-10)

Pub Date: July 7, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-544-33217-1

Page Count: 256

Publisher: HMH Books

Review Posted Online: March 31, 2015

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2015

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION | CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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WAYS TO GROW LOVE

From the Ryan Hart series , Vol. 2

by Renée Watson ; illustrated by Niña Mata ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2021

The second installment in this spirited series is a hit.

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A new baby coming means Ryan has lots of opportunities to grow love.

Ryan has so much to look forward to this summer—she is going to be a big sister, and she finally gets to go to church camp! But new adventures bring challenges, too. Ryan feels like the baby is taking forever to arrive, and with Mom on bed rest, she isn’t able to participate in the family’s typical summer activities. Ryan’s Dad is still working the late shift, which means he gets home and goes to bed when she and her older brother, Ray, are waking up, so their quality daddy-daughter time is limited to one day a week. When the time for camp finally arrives, Ryan is so worried about bugs, ghosts, and sharing a cabin that she wonders if she should go at all. Watson’s heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. Hard topics like family finances and complex relationships with friends are discussed in an age-appropriate way. Watson continues to excel at crafting a sense of place; she transports readers to Portland, Oregon, with an attention to detail that can only come from someone who has loved that city. Ryan, her family, and friends are Black, and occasional illustrations by Mata spotlight their joy and make this book shine.

The second installment in this spirited series is a hit. (Fiction. 8-10)