Shannon dishes up a delicious trio of original “noodle” tales, set in bucolic Wise Acres and featuring a farmyard menagerie that stars Debbie, a cow with the heart and hooves of a dancer. Hearing of the Secret Chicken Club, Debbie so yearns to join that its members relax the rules for entry from laying eggs and eating worms to laughing at a lame knock-knock joke. Later, she’s distressed when her artificial “beak” (a funnel) mysteriously disappears after she lays it down in her shadow before bounding off to rehearse for an alfresco recital. Sandwiched between these two episodes is an even better one: Believing that “chicken noodle” soup is called that because it makes chickens smarter, Doug the rooster sets out to buy some—until Pearl the goat’s horrifying suggestion that, since soups are named for what goes into them, its main ingredient must be chicken brains. Illustrated with sunny watercolor scenes of popeyed livestock (all of whom, by the end, are club members) dancing and being silly, this is sure to have children signing on in flocks for repeat readings. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2005
ISBN: 1-59354-118-X
Page Count: 40
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2005
Three fish and a curious cat make for a rambunctious tale in this Level 2 Holiday House Reader from Weston (Bad Baby Brother, 1997, etc.). When Dot brings her new fish home, she introduces the three of them to her cat Fuzzy. After several minutes of watching the fish circle the bowl, Dot determines that they must be bored and surrounds their bowl with exciting treasures such as books and a play dinosaur. However, Fuzzy has other plans for the fish and Dot has to rescue them several times from the feline’s searching paws. After a close encounter in the night, Dot’s mother builds a high shelf for the fish bowl, far out of reach of Fluffy, and Dot rediscovers the merits of her furry friend. Weston’s humorous take on the feline mind permeates the tale, while soft watercolors with jagged, loose lines highlight all the action. In four manageable chapters, this warm story offers an achievable challenge to those moving beyond beginning reader status. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: March 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1419-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Wormell (An Alphabet of Animals, 1990, etc.) proves that occasionally, the grass is greener elsewhere, at least for three friends who switch homes, and a fourth, who leaves town. Blue Rabbit is discontented with his cave in a forest (which, to children, will be recognizable as a dark area behind some blocks and toys); in his search for better digs, he encounters Bear, sitting in what appears to be an upside-down, water-filled Frisbee. Bear is also unhappy in his habitat; so is Goose, living in a doghouse that smells of old bones, and Dog, whose home seems to be a daisy-covered bedspread. Blue Rabbit successfully relocates his new friends, but finds that he needs the open road and adventure. Those who need a comforting predictability in their stories will be satisfied, but so, too, will be those seeking surprise. The author’s bold linoleum block prints complement the several planes of the plot, all of which are amply appealing. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-8037-2499-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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