In this rollicking sequel to Princesses Are Not Quitters! (2002), Lum’s trio of perseverant princesses discover that being royal does not make one perfect. Princesses Allie, Libby and Mellie excel at their favorite pastimes, which are baking, building and gardening, respectively. On the eve of their grand Summer Party for the children of their populace, Mellie impetuously decides they should switch their tasks. Unfortunately, their mantra—“princesses are good at everything”—leads to mayhem, as they attack their new chores with more enthusiasm than skill. The author gracefully leads readers to the conclusion that princesses—and others—succeed best when they do what they enjoy. Hellard’s ornate watercolors burgeon with humorous details; her vivid paintings depict billowing gowns and towering hairdos that cheekily represent each princess’s hobby. This sprightly tale will enchant aspiring princesses. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59990-432-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
``Trees are nice [and] also useful,'' begins the noted science writer, summing up the concepts introduced here. Pointing out the many ordinary objects made from wood or, less obviously, tree products (rubber, turpentine, fruit, paper), she goes on to trees' role in animal habitats and the larger environment, including photosynthesis as an important part of a cycle on which we all depend. The simple yet precise text ends with ways to ``Be a Friend to Trees''. Unfortunately, Keller's illustrations, while bright and attractive, are less precise; especially where tree species are labeled, it's a shame to misrepresent them visually. Misshapen birch trunks or vaguely depicted leaves are fine in the picture book stories at which Keller excels, but they're inappropriate in a science book, no matter how young the audience. Still, the lucid text will make this useful; and creative teachers could make a project of comparing real trees with the art. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 30, 1994
ISBN: 0-06-021528-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
This easy reader for children reading at the fluency level recounts the story of a girl named Mary Ann Anning and her dog, Tray. They lived on the coast of England in the early 1800s, although the time frame is given only as “a long, long time ago.” Mary Ann and Tray became famous for their discoveries of fossils, including dinosaur bones. They discovered the first pterodactyl found in England, and the name was assigned to their fossil. The story focuses a little too much on the dog, and the title misses a great opportunity to completely acknowledge a girl accomplishing something important in the scientific world, especially in a much earlier era and without formal training or education. Despite this drawback, both Mary Ann and Tray are appealing characters and the discovery of the fossils and subsequent notice from scientists, collectors, and even royalty is appealing and well written. Sullivan’s illustrations provide intriguing period details in costumes, tools, and buildings, as well as a clever front endpaper of fossil-strewn ground covered with muddy paw prints. (Easy reader. 6-8)
Pub Date: July 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-689-85708-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2004
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