related reading, index, not seen) (Nonfiction. 9-12)
A useful but hardly fascinating look at what should be an absorbing subject. Milne covers the basics of what young readers
might want to know: where diamonds are found (mostly in Africa, but lately in Australia and Russia); how they are mined (in both riverbeds and the geological "kimberlite pipes"—igneous, carrot-shaped rock formations); and how they are used (only 20 percent in jewelry, the rest for industry). Gems were used first as talismans rather than adornment, and Milne notes with some relish that Louis IX, King of France in the 13th century, forbade any woman to wear diamonds. (Diamond engagement rings became popular only in the United States in the 19th century.) Cecil Rhodes's consolidation of the De Beers diamond monopoly and the exploitation of mine workers are mentioned along with various tales of lost, supposedly cursed and famous diamonds like the Koh-i-noor and the Cullinan. Charts and a few pictures add interest. Good for the inevitable school reports. (glossary,
related reading, index, not seen) (Nonfiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2000
ISBN: 0-208-02476-X
Page Count: 111
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2000
This vibrant, thoughtful book from Katz (Over the Moon, 1997) continues her tribute to her adopted daughter, Lena, born in Guatemala. Lena is “seven. I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she could eat me up”; she learns during a painting lesson that to get the color brown, she will have to “mix red, yellow, black, and white paints.” They go for a walk to observe the many shades of brown: they see Sonia, who is the color of creamy peanut butter; Isabella, who is chocolate brown; Lucy, both peachy and tan; Jo-Jin, the color of honey; Kyle, “like leaves in fall”; Mr. Pellegrino, the color of pizza crust, golden brown. Lena realizes that every shade is beautiful, then mixes her paints accordingly for portraits of her friends—“The colors of us!” Bold illustrations celebrate diversity with a child’s open-hearted sensibility and a mother’s love. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-8050-5864-8
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
A sentimental tale overwhelmed by busy illustrations and rampant pedantry. A gifted quiltmaker who makes outstanding quilts never sells her wares, but gives them away to the poor. A greedy king so loves presents that he has two birthdays a year, and commands everyone in the kingdom to give him gifts. Everyone brings presents till the castle overflows; the king, still unhappy, locates the quiltmaker and directs her to make him a quilt. When she refuses he tries to feed her to a hungry bear, then to leave her on a tiny island, but each time the quiltmaker’s kindness results in her rescue. At last, the king agrees to a bargain; he will give away his many things, and the quiltmaker will sew him a quilt. He is soon poor, but happier than he’s ever been, and she fulfills her end of the bargain; they remain partners forever after, with her sewing the quilts and him giving them away. The illustrations are elaborate, filled with clues to quilt names. A note points to the 250 different quilt names hidden in the picture on the inside of the book jacket. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 1-57025-199-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999
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