Barasch frames this profile of Hiromi Suzuki, a childhood friend of her daughter’s who grew up to be an itamae-san, or professional sushi chef, as both an American story and a first-person tale of a young woman’s success in a trade traditionally dominated by men. Transferred in 1964 from Tokyo to the New York branch of his restaurant, Kamehachi, Hiromi’s father Akira found his new home to be a place of “big cars, big portions, big opportunities!” So he was receptive when, years later, his daughter expressed an eagerness to accompany him to the early-morning fish market on Fulton Street, and then to learn how to make perfect nigiri sushi (seafood over pressed rice) and maki sushi (sushi rolls) for the small restaurant he had opened. In delicately lined watercolors, Barasch not only warmly portrays her human cast, but also presents mouthwatering galleries of sushi and of the varieties of seafood from which it is made. A glossary and pronunciation guide, a portrait photo and a brief wrap-up close what will be for most young readers a fascinating family story. (Picture book/biography. 7-9)
Pub Date: March 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-58430-275-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2007
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Though so sketchy that his death (and the fact that the title is borrowed from his autobiography) isn’t even mentioned, this profile of the indefatigable and once-renowned circus impresario captures the fascination with spectacle that drove him, alone and in partnership with P.T. Barnum, to organize a number of circuses, sideshows and other popular attractions. The authors tally his innovations, which included the idea of a “circus train,” multiple rings under the Big Top and the magnificent New York Aquarium, and then close with a page of further colorful anecdotes. Potter depicts Coup and some of the circus and sideshow acts he presented in broadly brushed, typically stylized scenes, taking him from dazzled small-town lad to nattily dressed showman proudly presenting his array of marine life to viewers. Barnum tends to outshine all of his contemporaries and successors, but here’s at least a suggestion that his story wasn’t the only one. (Picture book/biography. 7-9)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9351-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2007
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Spun from a true historical episode and illustrated with a mix of simply drawn cartoons and 18th-century prints and paintings, this affectionate memoir recalls visits to the great cities of Europe in the company of an exotic Indian rhinoceros. Raised as an indoor pet, gentle Clara was sold to Dutch sea captain (and narrator) Douwe Van der Meer, who brought her back to Rotterdam, had a special carriage built for her and exhibited her from Rome to Berlin. She became a celebrity, especially in Paris where “Claramania” led to new rhino-influenced fashions, art objects, hair styles—and even a formal, life-sized portrait. “I’m glad that the world had the opportunity to see Clara,” Douwe concludes. “Just as important, I’m glad that Clara could see the world.” Like Mary Jo Collier’s King’s Giraffe, illustrated by Stéfane Poulin (1996), this is an engaging animal story that also provides a glimpse of a time when Europeans were at last awakening to the world’s size and wonder. (Picture book. 7-9)
Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-89236-880-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Getty Publications
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2007
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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