THE EYES IN THE TREE

Name: THE EYES IN THE TREE
Author: Carolyn Vanderbeek
ISBN: 978-1475989182

by Carolyn Vanderbeek ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2013

Although at times this tale too earnestly inveighs against animal cruelty and neglect, its warmth and spiky humor shine...

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A preachy but otherwise engaging debut tale of chicks rescued from a precarious existence by a kindly couple.

Six chicks of various breeds and personalities trade an uncertain future as sale items at a feed store for a cozy life in the country under the loving care of a tender-hearted, animal-loving human and her like-minded husband. As the chicks gain their glossy feathers and reach egg-laying maturity, they adjust to life with one another and with gentle horses, chattering squirrels, the threat of predators, helpful and ignorant humans, and one strange, lonely, tree-dwelling cousin fowl who imparts her survivor’s wisdom. The narrator of the tale and its keen, acerbic observer is Blondos the Magnificent, a bird of fine English pedigree, supreme self-regard and wild frames of reference: Hoping her new owners give her a worthy name, Blondos says, “I happened to know people spend hard-earned money to change their names if they didn’t like them.” Describing attractive, polka-dotted but not too bright fellow chickens, Blondos compares them to “beautiful women” who are “incredibly stunning until they open their mouths and sound like New York taxi cab drivers.” The author uses her vivid characters and situations as teaching moments, delivered primarily through the voice of the chickens’ compassionate human mistress. VanderBeek’s narrative addresses the responsibilities of pet owners; the irresponsibility of giving baby chicks, ducks and rabbits as holiday gifts; pet neglect, abandonment and abuse, and even the misguided militant tactics of some animal activists. For the most part, however, the author’s worthy soapbox approach doesn’t lose sight of the chicken friends for too long, returning with warmth and humor to their eventful lives and dialogue. As the feathery friends experience happy times and small crises, they learn their own lessons of acceptance and compassion—particularly prideful, selfish Blondos—and their story becomes a framework for the author’s impassioned appeal for the caring and respectful treatment of animals.

Although at times this tale too earnestly inveighs against animal cruelty and neglect, its warmth and spiky humor shine through.

Pub Date: July 11, 2013

ISBN: 978-1475989182

Page Count: 204

Publisher: iUniverse

Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2013

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BEDTIME FOR BATMAN

From the DC Super Heroes series , Vol. 1

by Michael Dahl ; illustrated by Ethen Beavers ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2016

This should send Dark Knight fans flying to the Batcave—or the bedroom.

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Holy bedtime, Batman!

In a sleepy-looking neighborhood under a dusky cerulean sky, a young, brown-haired, white boy goes through the motions of getting ready for bed: he brushes his teeth, takes a bath, picks up his toys, and feeds his fish. In a parallel visual narrative, beckoned by the cat's-eye–yellow bat-signal, Batman keeps Gotham safe for another night by catching crooks, locking them away, and avenging those who have been wronged. Though the two characters are quite different, through a carefully flexible narrative, Dahl and Beavers weave a convincing tale of just how similar they might be. “It’s time to take care of business” describes the child’s trip to the potty and Batman’s dive down a manhole equally well, for instance. Beavers' art is visually striking and vibrantly hued, perfect for keeping young eyes glued to each page. Dahl's economical text is cadenced with a gentle lilt, just right for a bedtime read-aloud. Young fans of the caped crusader will delight in spying their favorite characters. In the already-overstuffed bedtime-book market, this is certainly a niche read, but it hits its mark well, delivering fun without darkness. A “bedtime checklist” at the end aptly includes “story time.”

This should send Dark Knight fans flying to the Batcave—or the bedroom. (Picture book. 3-8)