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MORE BONES

Name: MORE BONES
Author: E. M. Gist
ISBN: 978-0-670-06339-0

SCARY STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

illustrated by E. M. Gist ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2008

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Bare Bones might have been an equally descriptive title for this collection of 22 tales. Drawn from diverse sources, many published in the 19th century, most of these stories will be unfamiliar to young readers. Of course, there are familiar motifs: malevolent ghosts, dire predictions and magic gone awry. Whether they feature shape-shifters, ghoulish monsters or just greedy and murderous humans, however, these brief tales are obviously intended to spook readers and listeners. Some succeed admirably. In others, the brevity and lack of embellishment that is the hallmark of a traditional tale weakens the impact, as gruesome events are described in a brisk, matter-of-fact fashion that drains them of effect. Ambiguity is both a strength and weakness. In some cases, not knowing exactly what will happen next produces a delighted shiver of fear; in others, having the details of plot and character remain unclear is merely frustrating. Despite these minor flaws, the collection seems destined to find an enthusiastic audience of listeners and tellers as did Olson and Schwartz’s earlier collaboration, Ask the Bones (1999). (Folklore. 10 & up)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2008

ISBN: 978-0-670-06339-0

Page Count: 176

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2008

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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I CARRIED YOU ON EAGLES' WINGS

by Sue Mayfield ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 16, 1991

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On the surface, ninth-grader Tony Sharp leads the life of an average teen: he listens to rock, has a part-time job, and is having his first romance. But Tony's mother has multiple sclerosis; her illness leaves him wavering between a sense of helplessness over her condition and resentment that he doesn't have a mother who can care for him. Tony escapes from the pain by caring for an injured herring gull that he finds in a cave; but as the bird's wing heals, Mrs. Sharp's health fails. In a symbolic gesture, Tony releases the healthy gull the morning following his mother's death. Unfortunately, weak characterization, overly sentimental writing, and an almost nonexistent plot badly mar a potentially good story. The mother-son relationship is poorly developed and doesn't give a real sense of their intimacy between the two; as a result, Tony's frustrated outbursts sound hollow. (Fiction. 11+)

Pub Date: Oct. 16, 1991

ISBN: 0-688-10597-1

Page Count: 128

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1991

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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FAIRY TALES OF EASTERN EUROPE

illustrated by Larry Wilkes ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1991

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Beginning with a brisk introduction concerning the unique aspects of Eastern European folklore, Philip (a British expert in folklore and children's literature) presents 22 stories told in a lively, colloquial style and ranging from brief Serbian creation myths to such long, formal tales as the familiar ``The Flying Ship,'' from the Ukraine. In a final section, Philip discusses the specific source for each story and cites others (often more familiar) with similar motifs. Wilkes provides an abundant number of watercolor and b&w illustrations; unfortunately, while some successfully depict a story's essence, others are way off the mark. Still, though the illustrations are uneven, the whole is pleasingly designed and carefully produced: a collection with high appeal both for children and those who enjoy sharing stories with them. Folklore. 10+)