by Gus Clarke & illustrated by Gus Clarke ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 15, 1998
A clever plot masterminded by a shrewd feline is the basis of this engaging olfactory mystery by Clarke (Ten Green Monsters, 1994, etc.). Scratch, a dog, and Sniff, a cat, are housemates. One morning Sniff, provoked by an alluring smell, sets out to locate it. Throughout his quest, Sniff has several amusing encounters with some of his canine friends. In the meantime, Scratch takes advantage of having the house to himself to host an all-cat party; the feline friends disperse before Sniff arrives home. After Scratch and Sniff retire, the mystery of the compelling scent is solved as Scratch is observed depositing a drop of “Dr. Dachshund’s Doggy Drops: The Powerful Pick-Me-Up For Peeky Pups” on dozing Sniff’s nose. Clarke’s dry wit is evident in every line of this wry tale; his humorous illustrations of the bumbling but lovable Sniff and the crafty but harmless Scratch enliven an already comical text. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: Nov. 15, 1998
ISBN: 0-86264-810-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Collins & Brown/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1998
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by Gus Clarke & illustrated by Gus Clarke
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by Gus Clarke & illustrated by Gus Clarke
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adapted by Gus Clarke & illustrated by Gus Clarke
by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2007
Inside a colorful garden, some plants “grow up,” while others “grow down, and still others grow “around and around.” This catchy, rhyming refrain, with some variation, introduces children to an abundance of garden vegetables and legumes, including corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions and tomatoes, as well as the ambiguous pumpkin, and follows them from seed to plant to lunch. The different plants are shown sprouting under and above ground, and youngsters will delight in the bird- and mole’s-eye perspectives. Energetic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, inhabited by multiracial tots, a farmer, a scarecrow, friendly bugs, worms, crows, rabbits and, of course, a plethora of seeds, plants and produce, are a feast for the eyes and will whet children’s appetites for further knowledge—and for a very healthy lunch. An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food and gardening, this charming selection will be a favorite of teachers, students and home readers alike. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-7636-2378-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
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by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Tricia Tusa
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by Kimiko Kajikawa & illustrated by Ed Young ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2009
Through quick thinking and personal sacrifice, a wise old Japanese farmer saves the people of his village from a devastating tsunami in this simple yet striking story based on Lafcadio Hearn’s “A Living God.” Ojiisan lives in a cottage on a mountain overlooking the village and sea. One day, villagers gather to celebrate the rice harvest, but Ojiisan stays home thinking “something does not feel right.” When the earth quakes and the sea darkens and runs away from the land, Ojiisan realizes a tsunami approaches. Fearing the oblivious villagers will be swept away, Ojiisan torches his rice fields to attract attention, and they respond, barely escaping the monster wave. Rendered in gouache, pastel and collage, Young’s illustrations cleverly combine natural textures, bold colors and abstract shapes to convey compelling images of chaos and disaster as the rice fields burn and the wave rushes in. In one literally breathtaking double-page spread, an enormous wall of water engulfs the teeny seacoast village. A visually powerful and dramatic tribute to one man’s willingness to sacrifice everything for others. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-399-25006-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2008
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