In lucid color photos and a simple bilingual text, the work of 77-year-old Don Ricardo (``Tio Rico''), a Mexican craftsman who ``started creating pi§atas fifteen years ago when...making felt sombreros became too hard for him.'' Beginning with a small boy delivering some of Tio Rico's materials (old newpapers and paper bags), Ancona leads into a detailed depiction of making of an unusual swan pi§ata. Forming a shape of cardboard and banana leaves, incorporating a clay pot, and applying decorative covering are all explained so clearly—in both the text and the admirable photos—that readers will be able to follow up by making their own pi§atas (Ancona also offers some alternative construction methods). Creating a couple of other shapes and a party where one of them meets its intended end round out an attractive presentation. (Nonfiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: March 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-15-261875-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1994
IN THE NEWS
The title doesn't really fit this tale of a boy and his dog, but it's a cute, marketable moniker for much ado about nothing. Amber is Sam's best friend, but with Sam's divorced mother newly employed outside the home, the dog is alone all day, disturbing the peace. Sam's mother wants to give Amber away; Sam is full of alternative ideas. Most of these fail, but ultimately the boy enlists the aid of a neighbor whose home office will be Amber's daytime hang-out; after school, Sam and Amber ``volunteer'' at his sister Maxie's daycare center. Smith's delightful b&w illustrations add appeal. A book that's slight, but fast-paced; farfetched overall, but alive with realistic, kid-pleasing antics. (Fiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: Jan. 3, 1994
ISBN: 0-316-05916-1
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1993
In 1840, Libby and her parents live in Michigan, near a Potawatomi settlement. A young Indian girl (Libby's father calls her ``Fawn'' because she resembles a deer) befriends Libby, who sneaks away to visit Fawn's village while her own mother is giving birth. When the Indians are seized by white militia intent on moving them west, Libby is captured with them. Fawn's father leads his family and Libby in an escape that's notably without drama, returning Libby to her parents; Fawn's family heads north. Whelan's narrative is simple and readable, including a few basic insights into Indian and pioneer life (e.g., the Native Americans occasionally eat dogs). But her plot is languid, while the girls aren't drawn vividly enough to give their friendship much intensity. Gentle b&w illustrations. (Fiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-679-84464-3
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1993
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