Caseley (Mickey’s Class Play, not reviewed, etc.) continues the (mis)adventures of Mickey, in a poignant tale about winning and losing. Best friends Mickey and Longjohn are inseparable. Despite their physical differences, they are well-matched during races. “Mickey was short and sturdy and quick. Longjohn was tall and thin and speedy.” When Field Day arrives, they are ecstatic to be on the same team together. Caseley captures all the excitement of these elementary school Olympics; the thrills and spills, covering classic events such as egg-and-spoon, crab walk, and the hallowed 50-yard dash. Through each event, the friends are unerringly supportive of each other, lightly brushing aside any mishaps. An untied shoelace, however, proves to be Mickey’s undoing during the dash. When Longjohn wins the coveted medal, Mickey suffers the pangs of loss. A homemade medal saluting him as a “First Place Brother” and friend from his sister and Longjohn helps Mickey refocus on the important things. While the tale doesn’t exactly portray an inspiring message about losing gracefully, Caseley addresses a prickly issue with honesty—sometimes you lose and feel bad about it. It’s this truthfulness that will appeal to readers, who can commiserate with Mickey. The brightly colored illustrations feature a multicultural collection of children, all eagerly participating in the events. Caseley’s vivid drawings highlight the suspenseful action and humor of the text. Despite his setback, Mickey learns a vital lesson about winning, losing, and the true value of friends. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: May 31, 2000
ISBN: 0-688-16761-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2000
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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