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A JAR FULL OF MICE

Name: A JAR FULL OF MICE
Author: Diz Wallis
ISBN: 1-878093-42-8

by Diz Wallis & illustrated by Diz Wallis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1991

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In an unabashed, remarkably successful imitation of Beatrix Potter, Wallis (Something Nasty in the Cabbages, p. 1017) concocts an appealing cat-and-mouse drama. When the new cook demands a cat to oust the numerous mice, three are introduced; the first, a ``Persian queen,'' is far too well bred to work; the second, an alley cat, devotes himself to singing and dancing in the moonlight; and the third is more of a menace. But after a flurry of activity during which the mice hide in a ginger jar, and after the subsequent uproar when the cook discovers them, the true mouser is banished, the cook flees, and the mice are left in peaceful coexistence with the two remaining cats. Wallis's narration is lively, beautifully cadenced, and full of apt, economical turns. Her diminutive illustrations are precisely executed and charmingly detailed. A companion book, Pip's Adventure, concerning a greedy, fat dog stuck in a rabbit hole, has a more derivative plot but is also expertly told and beautifully illustrated. These little gems are worthy to share the small-book shelf with their eminent predecessors. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1991

ISBN: 1-878093-42-8

Page Count: 28

Publisher: Boyds Mills

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1991

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
BATTLE OF THE BEASTS
adapted by Diz Wallis & illustrated by Diz Wallis

- BOOK REVIEW
SOMETHING NASTY IN THE CABBAGES

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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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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)