This handsome addition to the Building Blocks series introduces parks through a brief text and accompanying full-color photographs. Hill (Towers Reach High, p. 640, etc.) first shows a group of children climbing a slide to make the point that parks are for spontaneous fun, but also emphasizes that they act as preserves of natural beauty and historic sites, provide quiet green spots in bustling cities, create centers for recreation, and offer open-air meeting grounds. Despite some loose claims- -e.g., ``All parks are open to the public''—the book is pleasing and thought-provoking. A gallery of small photos of the parks featured provide extra information and some follow-up questions. (Nonfiction. 5-8)
Pub Date: Nov. 19, 1997
ISBN: 1-57505-068-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1997
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An involving tale to help youngsters understand the effects of oil spills by focusing on the travails of a single loon. Drenched in oil, a loon hides in the shallows near a willow tree. Martin (Good Times on Grandfather Mountain, 1992, etc.) introduces a succession of volunteers, diverse in occupation, age, gender, race, and in their reasons for tending birds. Methodically the bird is cleaned and cared for, until it is ready to be restored to the wild. Inspirational in tone, the book will appeal to readers with an interest in environmental matters. Carpenter's finely textured oil paintings expressively convey the practical work of cleaning birds. A fact-filled, helpful ``Note on Bird Rehabilitation'' is included. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-689-80415-6
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Arlo Gopher doesn't make a good start with his new neighbor, Vic Bear: on moving day, his sprinkler dampens Vic's belongings. Still, after Arlo helps Vic lug his boxes indoors and they share other experiences including storytelling and eating ice cream, the two become friends. Natural-sounding dialogue, warm humor, and expressive cartoon-style illustrations make this an appealing choice for beginning readers. (Easy reader. 5-8)
Pub Date: March 29, 1991
ISBN: 0-06-024023-7
Page Count: 64
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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