``Slime is anything that is oily, greasy, goopy and gross,'' says Jackson (The Precious Gift, 1996, etc.) before she goes on to describe the function of some slime found in nature: egg white, protecting the yolk; frog eggs attached to plants, warming in the sun; human saliva, facilitating a host of processes (this last discussion—one page of the book—may be why the title is catalogued in 611 with human anatomy). Not content with slime in nature, the author continues with a discussion of ancient Aztec algae slime bread; a page of slime jokes; an activity (making slime in a sealed plastic lunch bag); a recipe for slime pie; and a gross story. Jackson loads her text with short, expressive words: mucky, yucky, squirmy, grimy gunk. The scientific information is interesting but superficial; this is not the definitive text on slime, but a complement to such standards as Vicki Cobb's Gobs of Goo (1983). Apt illustrations—phlegmy fingers dripping goo, snails on a knife edge—complete the intentionally odious presentation. Place this book with its green and black slimy cover face-out and it will simply ooze off the shelves. (bibliography) (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-10)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1997
ISBN: 0-7613-0042-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1997
Categories: CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S
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A Black girl’s simple observation propels her into activism.
Woodard, who launched the More Than Peach Project—which arranges for classrooms and children in need to receive kits that include art supplies and boxes of multicultural crayons (crayons in a variety of skin tones)—relates the incident that sparked her journey. As the book begins, she is dropped off at school and notices that her family’s skin tone differs from that of her classmates. While it is clear that she is one of a few children of color at school, that difference isn’t really felt until her friends start asking for the “skin-color” crayon when they mean peach. She’s bothered that no one else seems to notice that skin comes in many colors, so she devises a unique way of bringing everyone’s attention to that fact. With support from her family and her school, she encourages her fellow classmates to rethink their language and starts an initiative to ensure that everyone’s skin tone is represented in each crayon box. Appealing, realistic artwork depicts Woodard’s experiences, while endpapers feature More Than Peach crayon boxes and childlike illustrations of kids of different ethnicities doing various activities. The story is stirring and will motivate budding activists. (This book was reviewed digitally; the review has been updated for factual accuracy.)
An inspirational look at one girl’s quest to make sure that all skin tones are visible and available in the classroom. (note from Woodard, information on Woodard’s journey into activism, instructions on starting a drive) (Picture-book biography. 6-10)Pub Date: July 26, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-80927-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
Categories: CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S
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At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
Categories: CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S
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