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THE PROSPERING

Name: THE PROSPERING
Author: Elizabeth George Speare

by Elizabeth George Speare ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1966

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Traces of Mrs. Speare's previous three historical novels for "young people" (two of which won the Newbery Award) still linger in this, her first novel for adults. This, too, is an historical novel, concerning the settling of Stockbridge, Mass. in the early 1700's, by young missionary John Sergeant, who hoped, and failed, to integrate Indians and whites in his colony; and its viewpoint character is a child, Elizabeth Williams. Elizabeth is a likable heroine, if basically one for "young people." The plain daughter of an ambitious family, whose beautiful sister marries John Sergeant, Elizabeth makes friends with the Indians, learns medicine, and in time comes to a sort of sturdy swanhood through a late, compromise marriage. Her imaginary life story tends, however, to dominate a history in which (in actuality) she is scarcely recorded. Zealous missionaries and stoic Indians, wars in the forests and abroad, and the struggle and failure of the Stockbridge Utopia are too often seen through her eyes, or through instructive dialogues. A pleasant novel of growing up, but transplanted rather than rooted in its history.

Pub Date: May 15, 1966

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: May 10, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1966

- BOOK REVIEW
LIFE IN COLONIAL AMERICA
by Elizabeth George Speare

- BOOK REVIEW
THE BRONZE BOW
by Elizabeth George Speare

- BOOK REVIEW
THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND
by Elizabeth George Speare

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HOW TO CATCH A REINDEER

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2022

These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.

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The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.

Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022

ISBN: 9781728276137

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH BIGFOOT
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH AN INVISIBLE BAD GUY
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH A GROUNDHOG
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Emma Gillette & Andy Elkerton

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HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

by Dr. Seuss ; illustrated by Dr. Seuss ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 12, 1957

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Another Seuss-chimera joins the ranks of the unforgettable Herlar and with the advent of the Grinch— a sort of Yule Ghoul who lives in a cave just north of who-ville. While all the Who's made ready on Christmas Eve the Grinch donned a Santa-Claus disguise. In gurgling verse at a galloping gait, we learn how the Grinch stole the "presents, the ribbons, the wrappings, the tags, the tinsel and trappings," from all the Who's. But the Grinch's heart (two sizes too small) melted just in time when he realized that the Who's enjoyed Christmas without any externals. Youngsters will be in transports over the goofy gaiety of Dr. Seuss's first book about a villain — easily the best Christmas-cad since Scrooge. Inimitable Seuss illustrations of the Grinch's dog Max disguised as a reindeer are in black and white with touches of red. Irrepressible and irresistible.