The creator of several outstanding books that explore children's imaginative inner lives (Come Away from the Water, Shirley, 1977, etc.) takes a more direct approach than usual in a touching portrait of a solitary child with an imaginary friend, Aldo, a rabbit just about her size. Aldo can be counted on to turn up "when things get really bad" (an illustration shows the child being bullied in the school lavatory); unfortunately, he can't help when her parents are arguing because "he's only my special friend" (italics added). The oversize format dramatizes the contrast between the introspective sketches of the child on her own, surrounded by negative space, and her outings with Aldo: a joyous dance in a sea of brilliant yellow splashed across a double spread; skating or tightrope-walking against a bank of black and crimson clouds. Aldo is a quietly comforting figure, tenderly absorbing the feelings suggested in the deftly understated text and the wonderfully expressive illustrations, with agile line and Turneresque spreads of subtly modulated color. Unusually perceptive, unsentimental treatment of a familiar theme. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1992
ISBN: 0099185016
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1992
A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
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