Although pushed into retirement by old age, Grandfather and his constant canine companion Roo quickly find themselves thrust back into action onboard the ominously named Unsinkable, in search of the mythical King Cod. Written as a series of short letters to his gender-neutral grandchild and as the Unsinkable’s ship log, Grandfather again finds himself suffering from a bout of bad luck compounded by Roo and her finicky ways, which seem to change with the wind. It isn’t long before the Unsinkable gives the lie to its name and the adventurers find themselves in the titular bind. Black-and-white illustrations are sprinkled throughout, with short quirky annotations from Grandfather that add even more humor and depth to this zany adventure. Packed with silly hijinks and fantastical creatures, this last of the Lasts (The Last Cowboys, 2008, etc.), with its endearing duo of grandfather and Roo, delivers fun for readers new to chapter books. (Fiction. 6-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-56145-439-6
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2009
PLB 0-7358-1050-8 This tale of sudden riches from Falda (The Angel and the Child, 1995, etc.) examines the true meaning of friendship. When Owl sees Squirrel unearth a treasure chest, he quickly notifies the other forest creatures. Together, Rabbit, Mole, Badger, and Bear try to envision the contents of the chest. Falda whimsically describes the creatures’ dearest desires—from carrots for Rabbit to glasses for Mole. Owl disdainfully discounts these fanciful notions, informing the animals that treasure chests are always full of gold and other riches. He also believes that such riches are certain to alter Squirrel, as wealth has often led to the demise of friendships. Alarmed, the animals rush off to discover Squirrel’s intentions; Squirrel has converted his treasure trove of seeds and nuts into a cake for all of his friends. Falda prevents sentiment from overwhelming the charming forest setting and the cast of imaginative, endearing friends. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: April 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7358-1049-4
Page Count: 26
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A vibrant and delightful picture book about a little white cat who sees all sorts of other animals in pairs, who are obviously happy to be so paired off. But the cat is alone and “unlike the rest. Unlucky, alone.” He finds himself in a rose garden where there are roses, the sea, flowers, birds and bees (“fliers”), trees, the sky, grass, and all manner of nature’s beauty. He sees another cat and feels so happy as they run through the roses together (“Not alone now”). This is an upbeat book about the happiness a soul mate can bring—a little more emotional than Yo? Yes! but just as exuberant. The divine illustrations reflect the pleasure and joy of companionship, no matter where it’s found. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7894-2564-5
Page Count: 38
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
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