Micucci, who has closely examined the apple, the peanut, the honeybee and most recently the ant (The Life and Times of the Ant, 2003, etc.), now turns to the largest crop in America—corn. Who knew those little kernels contained so much history and lore? In a conversational and lively narrative, the author follows the growth, cultivation and shocking number of uses of this “a-maize-ing” plant. Sensitive to children’s sensibilities, he delights in explaining large statistics—bushels are stacked high, each equaling 100,000,000, to represent leading corn producers. Plus, he carefully explains, if all 125,000 square miles of cultivated cornfields were put together, “corn” would be the fifth largest of the United States! In a clear, logical order, punctuated by timelines, maps and fun corn facts, the author introduces the history and life cycle of this staple. Columbus sought gold when he came to the New World; little did he know how much those yellow kernels were really worth. (sources, acknowledgements) (Informational picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-618-50751-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Hobbie (Toot & Puddle, 1997, etc.) brings back her winsome swine for a sympathetic look at the blues. Puddle is concerned about his good friend, Toot, who has a severe case of the doldrums. While recognizing that “everybody mopes sometimes,” Puddle still wants to cheer up his buddy, attempting everything from five-berry cobbler to a wild boat ride down the rapids. Yet even an impromptu party with their friends fails to elicit any excitement from the melancholy pig. Only the passing of time and a raging thunderstorm finally alter Toot’s dolorous mood. Hobbie deftly explores the neglected subject of sorrow, making clear to children that it’s okay to be downcast for no discernible reason. Although Puddle’s well-intentioned efforts are seemingly unsuccessful, what does succeed is that Puddle is perfectly in tune with his friend, convincing Toot and readers that they are not alone and that they will be loved even when they are not “up.” Gentle watercolors add a light touch to Toot’s malaise without compromising the compassion found in this graceful treatment of a delicate issue. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-316-36562-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
On an outing with her friend, Herbie—a duck—a resourceful hen named Lottie finds multiple uses for her new polka-dot towel: on a hot beach, under a picnic, as a sail for a boat with a conked-out motor, and even in a wedding, when a sea breeze blows the bride’s veil away. Combining quick wit with a broad streak of daffiness (“ ‘Is that my foot? Silly me, it’s a starfish’ “), Lottie will win readers over instantly, and the sparely drawn and colored panels capture her vivacious charm perfectly. Move over, Minerva Louise (Minerva Louise at School, 1996, etc.). (Picture book. 5-7)
Pub Date: June 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-689-81606-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1998
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