A partially successful attempt to show the evolution of humankind and its inventions, from 3,500,000 B.C. to the present. A typical two-page spread gives a brief paragraph of text, a full-page illustration (brown ink and watercolor wash in a serviceable style), plus brief marginal notes and illustrations of ``what's new'' in the period. Unfortunately, there's no attempt here to distinguish between conjecture and fact, while dates presented as fact are sometimes at odds with those in reputable sources (e.g., Sattler's Hominids, 1988, which dates the earliest tools as much as 1.5 million years later, and the Encyclopedia Americana, which differs by at least 1000 years on the earliest use of bronze). The choice of inventions among the relatively few cited is sometimes curious: eyeglasses; printing press; croissants; piano. Still, while the idea has been imperfectly realized, this simple presentation of evolving inventions will intrigue younger science and history buffs. No sources for information or artifacts; no index. (Nonfiction. 6- 10)
Pub Date: June 5, 1991
ISBN: 0-8027-6918-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Walker
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1991
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
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