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
Readers journey through the seasons with puppies whose behavior resembles that of preschoolers. They dodge falling apple blossoms in spring, have a picnic with friends in summer, pick apples and jump in piles of leaves in fall, and have a snowball fight in winter. Murphy (Caterpillar’s Wish, p. 454, etc.) captures the joy and surprises inherent in the arrival of the seasons, making this book a real heartwarmer. The bright coloring of her illustrations engages readers, as the puppies find a new adventure around every corner; the text is a terrific one to read a loud, subtly conveying with humor some time-honored lessons on ecology, sharing, and cooperation. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7894-3484-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 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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