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HANK ZIPZER: NIAGARA FALLS, OR DOES IT?

Name: HANK ZIPZER: NIAGARA FALLS, OR DOES IT?
Author: Henry Winkler
ISBN: 0-448-43232-3

by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2003

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A clunky but well-meant series kickoff featuring, as the subtitle has it, “The World’s Best Underachiever.” Already in hot water for being tardy on his first day, Hank digs himself a deeper hole by presenting his “summer vacation” report not as a written essay (writing being torture for him), but a model of Niagara Falls—which proceeds to flood the classroom. He gets zero slack from teacher, Principal, or even his parents—until the music teacher with whom he spends his lengthy detention suggests that he be tested for “learning differences.” Aha! Strongly assured that doesn’t mean he’s stupid, Hank shows his creative flair again at the end, by helping his multiethnic circle of friends put on a magic show for seniors. Thoroughly typecast characters, plus Hank’s tendency to overexplain, make the earnestness outshine the plot. There’s no actual note to parents, but there might as well be, as this is plainly meant to be a consciousness-raiser about learning disabilities for both children and adults. The celebrity co-author may draw some of the former. (Fiction. 9-11)

Pub Date: May 1, 2003

ISBN: 0-448-43232-3

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2003

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
THE CASE OF THE MISSING TADPOLE
by Henry Winkler ; illustrated by Dan Santat & by Lin Oliver

- BOOK REVIEW
THE CASE OF THE STRANGE SPLASH
by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver ; illustrated by Dan Santat

- BOOK REVIEW
HOLLYWOOD VS. THE GALAXY
by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver ; illustrated by Ethan Nicolle

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WILD BILL HICKOK

by Maryann Weidt & illustrated by Steve Casino ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 16, 1992

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A glorified view of one of the Old West's most violent and colorful characters. Hickok may not have started out wild (christened ``James,'' he didn't start out as ``Bill,'' either), but after an early series of rough jobs, including scouting and spying for the Union Army, he developed a taste for fancy clothes, hot baths, and gambling. Downplaying his reputation for brutality, the author cheerily recounts his career as law officer, actor, and celebrity, his half-legendary feats of marksmanship, and his untimely end—shot at a gaming table, holding the ``Dead Man's Hand'' of aces and eights. An oversimple, romanticized picture of life in the West and of one of its preeminent gunmen. Illustrations not seen. (Biography. 9-11)

Pub Date: Oct. 16, 1992

ISBN: 0-688-10089-9

Page Count: 54

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
MAMA LOVED TO WORRY
by Maryann Weidt ; illustrated by Rachael Balsaitis

- BOOK REVIEW
REVOLUTIONARY POET
by Maryann Weidt & illustrated by Mary O’Keefe Young

- BOOK REVIEW
DADDY PLAYED MUSIC FOR THE COWS
by Maryann Weidt & illustrated by Henri Sørensen

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PUPPY LOVE

by Betsy Duffey & illustrated by Susanna Natti ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1992

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First in another formulaic series (``Pet Patrol'') aimed at middle-grade readers. Though Evie's first five business ideas have ended in disaster, she has high hopes for the sixth; she and friend Megan release nine balloons with ads for a pet-care service. They return home to find a boxful of puppies already on the porch and a note asking that they be given away by four that afternoon. Can it be done? Of course—after a few false starts and minor mishaps. A typical assortment of kindly adults and slightly differentiated children comprise the cast, while the antics of the four frisky puppies supply a cupful of humor. Mild entertainment for readers who are enjoying Roos's ``Pet Lovers' Club'' books and want more of the same. Illustrations not seen. (Fiction. 9-11)