When Viking raiders overrun Hekja’s Danish village, her speed and courage impress Freydis, the bold daughter of Eric the Red, who takes her prisoner, along with her wolfhound Riki Snarfari (Rover), and carries them back to Greenland. Through obedience, daring and common sense, Hekja gradually becomes Freydis’s most trusted servant and accompanies her on an expedition to Vinland, where Freydis must battle not only the native population but her own people, who are unwilling to be led by a woman. Freydis—a historical figure from Icelandic sagas—rushes into battle naked and nine-months pregnant, but iron-willed Hekja, fighting for her place in the world, centers the story. French uses footnotes to help readers navigate the setting, but in the end they seem unnecessary; the adventure and characters outshine the stage. Enthralling, though the title needs improving. (Historical fiction. 12-15)
Pub Date: March 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-06-085078-7
Page Count: 304
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2007
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
From Hendry (Kid Kibble, 1994, etc.) comes a sweetly beguiling tale of two mice. Fretful Little Mouse shares a room with Big Mouse. During the wee hours, Little Mouse listens to the night sounds—the howling of wind, hooting of an owl, tapping of branches—fearfully imagining intruders, ghosts, and others. Each time, the long-suffering Big Mouse climbs out of his comfortable bed to show Little Mouse the mundane source of the alarming sound. He draws the line at letting his timid friend into bed for a variety of reasons: wiggling, cold paws, etc. However, when confronted with Little Mouse’s loneliness, Big Mouse readily allows him to hop into bed. Hendry’s depiction of a young child’s fears ring true while Big Mouse’s patient explanations assuage anxieties, providing a forum through which children can safely explore their nighttime jitters. Chapman’s gaily colored illustrations set imaginations soaring as readers discover the myriad uses a mouse has for household scraps. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-46261-9
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An entertaining tale featuring well-known figures; a tired, hungry wold enters a little town populated by disgruntled people, humorously drawn by Biet. He carries a hobo’s kerchief on a stick, has “only a little money that he kept for emergencies.” He ventures out to a farm, planning to eat the animals, but finds them unfazed and engrossed in reading. In a fit of one-upmanship, he decides to learn to read, too, and “since he didn’t try to eat anyone,” his human classmates become accustomed to having him around. He is rejected again by the animals until he refines his style of reading aloud. He is finally accepted into the group for his efforts, and all read happily ever after in the farmyard. That ending is a bit abrupt, but readers will be compensated in the portrayal of ducks, cows, and pigs reading—and their annoyance when they are interrupted—which perfectly suits the amusing text. The cartoonish figures have expressive faces and postures, offering plenty for readers to pore over. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-531-30155-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1999
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