In a more successful entry in the America at Work series than Farming (see review, below), Drake and Love show how the demise of an ancient, beloved fir in a boy's backyard is the catalyst for an exploration of the logging industry and reforestation practices. After Cameron's favorite climbing tree dies, Uncle Erik, a forester, cuts it down and takes the boy on a tour of the forestry industry in western Washington state. The discussion is carefully neutral, covering the advantages of clear- cutting in the short term, and the long-term benefits of the more expensive process of selective harvesting. When possible, the authors explain the necessity for alternative and less intrusive methods. Care for the environment is stressed as the primary concern, but Drake and Love address both sides of the issue. The notion of the forest as a living community is supported by Cupples's illustrations, although perhaps the proximity of rabbits and deer to the foresters is more whimsical than real. A thoughtful look at an often-contentious topic. (index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1998
ISBN: 1-55074-462-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1998
In a gleeful salute to the frosty season, three wide-eyed and rosy-cheeked children and their little gray puppy spend the day sampling the pleasures of winter. With sprightly verse, Carr (Swine Divine, p. 373, etc.) captures the rapture of a snowy day spent in play. The venturesome children build a snowman, go for a hair-raising sled ride, and take a twirl around the ice. The frolicking may be done for the day as the final pages depict the three asleep by the fire, but readers know that tomorrow will bring fresh adventures. Colorful, full-page illustrations complement the text; Donohue’s cut-paper collages incorporate a variety of textures to create vivid, dimensional images of the cheerful tots and their trusty canine companion. This exhilarating picture book joyously heralds the imminent arrival of winter. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1462-0
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1999
When a poor farmer lucks out with a turnip that grows to gigantic proportions, he uses a block and tackle just to yank the huge root from the ground, and takes it to the king. The king is duly impressed and rewards the farmer with a cart load of gold. The local squire becomes jealous of the farmer’s good fortune and takes one of his prize horses to the king, with hopes of scoring his own wagonful of gold. The king accepts the horse, and in payment, gives the squire the giant turnip. The highlight of this one-punch story is Wegner’s expressive line drawings, in which the characters’ changing emotions are aptly captured; his pen takes in every detail of the squire’s estate and the farmer’s fields. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7636-0494-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1999
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