When Mama talks about retiring, it's housework she's planning to give up: with Dad overseas, she's joining other women contributing to the WW II effort by working in factories. First, though, ``It's time I taught you boys how to do some things around here,'' and—as the narrator reminds his younger brothers- -they did promise Dad to ``pitch in.'' The three are soon mastering a washer-wringer, turning a fresh eye to tidying their own belongings, and singing ``Mairzy Doats'' while they help out with meals and cleaning. Nicely catching the period flavor, Ackerman also deftly reilluminates the question of who takes responsibility for household chores. New illustrator Grace animates the scenes with sinuous lines that fairly vibrate with energy (the dauntingly large washer is particularly amusing), counterpointing their bold sweep with delicate patterns on fabrics and wallpaper and slyly echoing the author's suggestion that, even given the clear need, the boys are not entirely willing to do their bit. An attractive book that balances a period setting and a contemporary concern with brisk good humor. (Picture book. 4-9)
Pub Date: March 10, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-80289-4
Page Count: -
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1992
What if the market was closed when you wanted to bake a pie? You could embark for Europe, learn Italian en route, and pick up some semolina wheat in Italy, an egg in France, kurundu bark for cinnamon in Sri Lanka, and an entire cow in England (butter) before coming home via Jamaica (sugar) and Vermont (apples). The expertly designed illustrations in which a dark-haired lass journeys by various means to these interesting places to get her groceries are lovely and lively, and the narrative, too, travels at a spritely pace. The journey is neither quite logical enough to be truly informative nor quite bizarre enough to be satisfyingly silly, while the rich, sweet recipe that's appended will take some adult assistance. Still, fun. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: May 2, 1994
ISBN: 0-679-83705-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1994
A sweet, soft conversation starter and a charming gift.
A paean to teachers and their surrogates everywhere.
This gentle ode to a teacher’s skill at inspiring, encouraging, and being a role model is spoken, presumably, from a child’s viewpoint. However, the voice could equally be that of an adult, because who can’t look back upon teachers or other early mentors who gave of themselves and offered their pupils so much? Indeed, some of the self-aware, self-assured expressions herein seem perhaps more realistic as uttered from one who’s already grown. Alternatively, readers won’t fail to note that this small book, illustrated with gentle soy-ink drawings and featuring an adult-child bear duo engaged in various sedentary and lively pursuits, could just as easily be about human parent- (or grandparent-) child pairs: some of the softly colored illustrations depict scenarios that are more likely to occur within a home and/or other family-oriented setting. Makes sense: aren’t parents and other close family members children’s first teachers? This duality suggests that the book might be best shared one-on-one between a nostalgic adult and a child who’s developed some self-confidence, having learned a thing or two from a parent, grandparent, older relative, or classroom instructor.
A sweet, soft conversation starter and a charming gift. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-943200-08-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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