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THE SEA AND I

Name: THE SEA AND I
Author: Harutaka Nakawatari
ISBN: 0-374-36428-1

by Harutaka Nakawatari & translated by Susan Matsui & illustrated by Harutaka Nakawatari ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1992

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In his first picture book, a Japanese illustrator evokes the feelings of an island fisherman's son on a day when he bids his father farewell at dawn, wonders whether a storm is coming as he explores the shore and watches the threatening waves and weather, then finally welcomes his father home in the calm of sunset, for an evening of stories about his voyages. The exquisitely detailed, broad watercolors (many of them a full 23-inch double spread) are of greatest interest here, presenting lovely realistic panoramas of the thundering waves, a breakwater, and a lighthouse atop a rugged cliff. Outstanding art; though the story is quiet, the boy's love and concern for his father have universal appeal. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1992

ISBN: 0-374-36428-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)