Next-door neighbors Turtle and Snake (Turtle and Snake at Work, 1999, etc.) bundle up to go shopping for a tree—but as one (guess which) likes tall, skinny ones, and the other prefers them short and wide, the two leave the tree farm empty-handed (figuratively speaking). Brand new readers will slide through the short sentences here as easily as Turtle, Snake, and a host of winter frolickers slip down snow-covered slopes in Spohn’s simply drawn scenes. And the good fellowship positively radiates after Turtle and Snake at last find the perfect tree—growing between their houses—and invite everyone to a grand trimming party beneath the stars. A pleasant holiday confection, frosted with humorous touches. (Easy reader. 6-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-670-88867-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Little Kit is at first delighted to be mistaken for a boy and given work with a flea circus. An orphan in 19th-century London, her prospects have never been brighter. But she soon discovers that the delightful performing fleas are prisoners, just as she is, to the evil Professor Malefetta. She exists on gruel and crusts until they travel to the country, where she becomes friends with Nell Derry. While Kit is bathing one night, a pickpocket discovers her secret; she runs to the Derry home where she is taken in as one of their own. This is an atmospheric tale that suffers from a sweeping effort to comment on several aspects of Victorian London at once. Child labor, fleas' rights, city squalor vs. country hygiene—all are enmeshed in a plot resolved simplistically and fast. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-8037-1671-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1995
A picture-book biography, in the format of Wallner's Beatrix Potter (1995), that includes naive, highly patterned scenes of the pioneer girl many readers will already know from the Little House books, if not the television show. The fairly straightforward recapitulation of the ups and downs of Wilder's life pales next to the charming, decorative illustrations. Softly colored pen-and-ink illustrations, done in a flat primitive style, use repeated designs to create the prairie grasses, wood floors, and fabrics of the times. After this visual overview, readers are certain to turn to the list Wallner thoughtfully includes of Wilder's books, for a more adventure-filled version of her life. (Biography. 6-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1997
ISBN: 0-8234-1314-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1997
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