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
Many male pirates have fared less well in stories than Grania O'Malley, 16th-century female swashbuckler, who is presented in a consistently glamorous, if not outright admiring, light. Although she is depicted as robber and murderer, these aren't shown to be negative traits; McCully (Little Kit, p. 228, etc.) merely concedes that O'Malley ``sided with the power of the moment, English or Irish, as long as it furthered her own purpose.'' Ireland's travails at the hands of England are downplayed; without this background, readers may not comprehend O'Malley's political motives, only her marauding ones. The sweeping, entertaining narrative is accompanied by McCully's characteristically bold, beautiful paintings. In other words, readers old enough to grapple with the moral issues will love it. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 17, 1995
ISBN: 0-399-22657-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1995
An attractive Venezuelan import: Se§ora Amelia would like to grant her handsome pet's birthday wish to be the very first bicycle-riding hen. It seems impossible: bikes for hens aren't available. Fortunately, an itinerant inventor happens by in time to design and make one, just in time for Rosaura's birthday. The mellow, affectionate illustrations here nicely convey the humor- -and also provide a believable bike, of wood. A pleasantly offbeat story of cheerful persistence solving an apparently unsolvable problem. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-916291-34-0
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1991
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