THE HUCKABUCK FAMILY

In a picture book subtitled “And How They Raised Popcorn in Nebraska and Quit and Came Back,” it’s clear that the passage of time hasn’t been kind to Sandburg’s Huckabuck family; what was heralded as outrageously original in the 1920s is now simply silly. When Pony Pony Huckabuck discovers a silver buckle inside a squash, the family knows their luck will soon change, but in which direction? A fire in the barn spreads throughout the farm and results in an overflow of popped corn. This disaster provides the impetus for the Huckabuck family to move on in search of “a sign and a signal” telling them when to return. The repetition of names (Jonas Jonas Huckabuck, Mama Mama Huckabuck, and Pony Pony Huckabuck) is wearing, while the family’s travels are pointless. Small’s characteristically whimsical drawings are full of funny details, and far outshine this slight American fairy tale. (Picture book. 5-9)