Princess Penelope and her pig Lollipop are learning to read. Since Johnny, the intelligent and affable pig trainer from the first installment, cannot read either, the solution is obvious. Both princess and trainer will have a governess. When Miss Thistle doesn’t work out, Lollipop gets sick from eating a poisonous plant, and a miracle is needed; in steps Collie Cob, the conjuror, to save the day. Turns out, he knows more than veterinary medicine, and he teaches the whole family just what they need. Now that Penelope (called Penny by her new eccentric teacher) is no longer a spoiled brat, the story lacks some of the tension that characterized the first in the series. However, Barton’s winsome pictures bring life to the story. The final illustrations promise many adventures to come as readers see a surprised Penny with proud new-mama Lollipop. Another fine choice for chapter-book readers. (Fiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-7636-2174-9
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2003
animals. An early start for the very young naturalist.
Bright color photographs in double-paged spreads depict tiny, hopping, emerald-colored tree-frogs, which decorate
woodlands around the world. In this simple board book, luscious green frogs with pumpkin-like eyes hop, glide, and ribbett in the trees. There's even a photo of a sleeping frog lying in the cradle of a leaf. On the back of the book five different tree frogs are shown and identified, proving these attractive amphibians really can be found around the world, not just in bins of plastic
animals. An early start for the very young naturalist. (Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club selection) (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: March 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7922-7127-0
Page Count: 12
Publisher: National Geographic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2000
to togetherness. Friendly. (Easy reader. 6-8)
Diversion centering around a tree marks three seasons of a friendship in this book of short chapters and simple vocabulary
intended for beginning readers. In "Leaves," sheep comrades Blanche and Otis rake falling leaves and are about to dump them when Blanche bemoans the lack of leaves in her own yard, which has only a pine tree. Otis rigs the bags of leaves with string in Blanche’s tree and surprises her with falling leaves. In "The Storm," sadly, Otis’s tree falls over, but in "Christmas," Blanche builds chairs out of logs from the tree as a gift. "Spring" arrives and the two sheep plant and tend a new pine tree, which quickly provides a home to baby birds. Quiet action, soft colors, and understated expressions characterize this unassuming collection of humble happenings. The characters are not defined as distinct individuals, rather it is their esprit de corps that effects the warmth of these tales dedicated
to togetherness. Friendly. (Easy reader. 6-8)Pub Date: March 15, 2000
ISBN: 0-8234-1376-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2000
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