Pearl the rabbit and Wagner the mouse continue to develop the friendship introduced in the first volume in this easy-reader series, Pearl and Wagner: Two Good Friends (2003). In this funny entry, three short chapters highlight the sort of secrets important to first graders, focusing on the fear of riding on a roller coaster. Pearl skillfully helps Wagner prepare for their roller coaster ride, conquering his fear of the unknown, but the reality of the enormous roller coaster gives Pearl her own set of worries. Her fears are counteracted by Wagner’s comforting presence as they ride the huge “Zoomer” side-by-side, along with their class of assorted animal friends. McMullan’s subtle humor infuses the clever plot, which includes a field trip to an ice-cream factory as well as a birthday party at the amusement park. Alley’s delightful watercolor-and-ink illustrations show a wide range of emotions, including the animals all screaming their heads off as the roller coaster cars careen downhill. Pearl and Wagner are a winsome pair of pals who will surely share more easy-reader adventures, perhaps next time over four seasons like another famous animal duo. (Easy reader. 5-7)
Pub Date: May 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-8037-2574-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
The story of how winter transforms a lonely scarecrow into a benevolent snowman, enabling him to befriend all the creatures he’s supposed to frighten away. In Kneen’s realistic illustrations, this scarecrow is just as frightening as his species dictates, sending fear into the hearts of small rodents, birds, and butterflies with his jagged teeth and flapping arms. For the entire summer he stands alone in his field watching the birds and animals raise their young; in the fall, some of the creatures head off to hibernate, making him feel even more alone. Then it snows, and under the thick white blanket of flakes the scarecrow has a friendlier demeanor. No longer afraid, the animals climb all over him, and now the scarecrow has one last worry—that when the snow melts, so will his new friendships. The illustrations are detailed, with embossed details that give this book the look of a fattened greeting card; most children will be cheered by the scarecrow’s good fortune, and will not be able to predict its advent. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-46080-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
A weak story that has echoes of familiar folktales, but no resonance. A selfish crocodile who lived “deep in the forest” commands all the other animals to stay away from the river, which he considers his. “I’ll eat you up!” he warns. The animals have to walk “for miles out of their way” to find drinking water. One day the crocodile has a toothache, and when the others are too frightened to get close, a mouse pulls the tooth and promises to help him in the future. Consequently, the crocodile invites all the creatures to enjoy the river, although the connection between having a friend and declaring open house is left vague. The illustrations have a greeting-card charm, with 13 animals trudging off for water bearing the same pop-eyed, frowning expression. When the crocodile groans in pain, the animals don’t look toward the source of sound, but up in the air at the words “GROAN . . . GROAN.” (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1999
ISBN: 1-888444-56-8
Page Count: 28
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
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