JULIAN

by Dayal Kaur Khalsa ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1989

A young woman tells how the coming of Julian--a bumptious golden retriever acquired to chase the groundhogs out of the vegetable garden--transformed her peaceful existence. Julian is indeed a chaser: he chases cars and cows as well as the groundhogs; he chases the horse (who likes it), the goat (who escapes), and the resident cats. He calms down some after being rescued from the well he bounces into; and after rescuing the smaller of the two cats, he becomes the fast friend of both. This episodic story has the feel of remembered incidents involving favorite pets rather than a well-plotted story, though Khalsa reports the incidents with engaging enthusiasm and affection. But--as with her other books--the strength here is in the vibrant illustrations. Forms that recall silk-screen in their simplicity; austere use of beautifully selected detail; compelling design; and a strong sense of place combine to make this, visually at least, one of her most successful books. For both animal and art lovers.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1989

ISBN: 0887765130

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S