A father and son team up for the first time in this warm intergenerational tàte-Ö-tàte. A visit to the city is a peak experience for Matt: Not only does he get to watch his grandfather, Sam, smooth the ice between periods of a hockey game on a great Zamboni machine, but on one night, he gets to sit on Sam's lap and drive the machine himself. The illustrator draws lines with a soft pencil and stays within them when brushing on the color, giving the scenes a restrained, conventional look; although Matt and Sam express their intimacy with frequent eye contact, they are mostly seen at a distance, partly or fully turned away from viewers. A competent collaboration, but not a memorable one. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-688-14484-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1998
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A witty tribute to the exceptional and often inexplicable connection between siblings. Baby Louise’s incessant crying has calamitous results, joggling pictures off walls, alarming the four-legged population in the vicinity, and frightening off other wildlife. Her beleaguered parents, grandparents, and their solicitous friends try valiantly to stem the flow, from lullabies to Mozart and an impromptu gig by the grandfather, without success. At first it seems that older brother Daniel’s phrase, “oonga boonga,” will soothe the fractious infant. However, after Daniel leaves and nothing, not even “oonga boonga,” will calm Louise, readers realize that it is Daniel’s very presence that keeps her in smiles. Thompson’s eloquent illustrations reflect both the comical and endearingly tender facets of the tale, providing a sparkling counterpart to Wishinsky’s vivacious text. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: May 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-46095-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
PLB 0-06-024531-X An overlong story features a girl who has the equivalent of a nervous breakdown at a toy store. Grampa invites Molly to come with him to the city; he offers to take her to Flekman’s, “the biggest toy store in the world,” where she can pick out a present. It’s no surprise that Molly can’t make up her mind: camera, teddy bear, doll, or one of many games. Molly tries out everything (store policy) while the salespeople are a spirited bunch who keep things at a fever pitch. So unstoppable is the girl that Grampa has to order out for lunch, all the while reminding her that she has a one-toy limit. Molly tries to piggyback toys on other toys; she attempts to stuff several toys into one bag. Molly snaps and goes wild until the forces of authority—who have seen it all before—are called to restore order. Molly ends up on a couch in the back room, a cool damp washcloth draped over her face, while Grampa collapses. Her choice of toy, then, is that homely washcloth, a decision that lands her a job on Flekman’s creative team. Readers will feel as punished as Grampa by the end; although Egielski’s illustrations—looser and with flatter perspectives than usual—are well-done, he doesn’t turn that washcloth into anything that will excite envy or understanding. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: May 31, 1999
ISBN: 0-06-024530-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
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