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WAITING FOR MR. GOOSE

Name: WAITING FOR MR. GOOSE
Author: Laurie Lears
ISBN: 0-8075-8628-5

by Laurie Lears ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1999

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A sweet story about a trapped goose cloaks this piece of bibliotherapy, as a boy with AD/HD learns to sit still for a very good cause. Lear’s book addresses the struggles children have paying attention in school and holding still; for her protagonist, Stephen, the admonishments of adults accompany most of his school day. After school, on a nature walk, Stephen is relieved to be away from all restrictions, where he can run and play freely. When he encounters a goose with its leg in part of a trap, with the chain dragging heavily on its foot, Stephen brings in his parents and authorities to help “Mr. Goose,” but the goose is too frightened. Next, Stephen attempts to trick the goose, but soon figures out that sitting still and feeding the gaggle of geese is the only way to gain their trust. When Mr. Goose comes close enough, Stephen wraps him in his own jacket, growing cold as he waits for help to come. The rescue is a success, the bird flies off, and Stephen gains confidence in his own abilities. Along with Ritz’s realistic pictures, the text is prettified and teacherly; absent is the heartbreaking frustration of AD/HD students and the adults around them, and Lears implies that if children just try harder, they can sit still, which isn’t always true. Real emotions comes through in the scenes of Stephen and his mother, and for some readers, that will be enough. (Picture book. 5-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-8075-8628-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Whitman

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION | CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

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DORY STORY

by Jerry Pallotta ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2000

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Who is next in the ocean food chain? Pallotta has a surprising answer in this picture book glimpse of one curious boy. Danny, fascinated by plankton, takes his dory and rows out into the ocean, where he sees shrimp eating those plankton, fish sand eels eating shrimp, mackerel eating fish sand eels, bluefish chasing mackerel, tuna after bluefish, and killer whales after tuna. When an enormous humpbacked whale arrives on the scene, Danny’s dory tips over and he has to swim for a large rock or become—he worries’someone’s lunch. Surreal acrylic illustrations in vivid blues and red extend the story of a small boy, a small boat, and a vast ocean, in which the laws of the food chain are paramount. That the boy has been bathtub-bound during this entire imaginative foray doesn’t diminish the suspense, and the facts Pallotta presents are solidly researched. A charming fish tale about the one—the boy—that got away. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2000

ISBN: 0-88106-075-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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FROGGY PLAYS SOCCER

by Jonathan London ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

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This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)