A third book about a likable, strong-minded child who lives in a friendly British village with her ``mom.'' Fans of Josie (Josie Smith, 1989) will remember that, though she's conscientious and well-intentioned, her imagination and persistence tend to get her into amusing trouble. This time, three long episodes involve Josie's abortive attempt to take her new teacher a bouquet; the difficulty of making friends with an Indian classmate who doesn't know English; and a mix-up concerning a class play, when the new haircut Josie at first admires causes her to be drafted for a male role—which turns out to be just one of several miscastings that precipitate a comical epidemic of tears. Nabb's artfully mixed humor and sympathy for childhood's dramas and misunderstandings rivals Cleary's. Her deftly sketched characters, both children and adults, are wonderfully three- dimensional: a martinet of a principal, Josie's wise but not infallible mother, perennial rival/friend Eileen—each is a believable blend of strengths and faults. Again, Vainio's lively drawings capture the essence of the more telling moments. A fine chapter book for newly independent readers. (Fiction. 6-10)
Pub Date: Dec. 5, 1991
ISBN: 0-689-50533-7
Page Count: 106
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A few fragments of legend—which San Souci, in a cursory note mentioning ``a variety of classic and contemporary sources,'' does not sort out from his own additions—are padded out to create a story about Guinevere as a girl who enjoys rambling the woods, where she encounters a unicorn and other legendary creatures; later, some of these figure in her urgent mission to the new King Arthur to request his aid against enemies besieging her father's castle. The story ends with Arthur and Guinevere's marriage, despite predictions of sorrow to follow. The narrative is accessible but too contemporary in style to suggest the flavor of heroic Arthurian Britain. Henterley cites eclectic inspirations—the Bayeaux Tapestry and the Book of Kells—for his carefully wrought but rather garish illustrations (sure to attract readers). His elfin, auburn-haired heroine is genuinely appealing, and, sure, this Guinevere is a strong female protagonist, but she's also a problematic pastiche of ancient romance and a thoroughly modern point of view. (Folklore/Picture book. 7-10)
Pub Date: March 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-385-41623-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1993
An unsentimental, but not unsympathetic, story about a child who has ``always looked forward to branding day'' and its excitement and neighborly cooperation—until she has her own calf. Annie, who has bottle-fed the orphaned Doodle, begins to worry about the pain to be inflicted by the special brand that Gramps is making—an extension of the family's ``Double H'' with her own ``A.'' For the rest of the family, it's a workaday event, and each member deals differently with Annie's apprehensions: Gramps compares branding to inoculation and recalls their brand's history; Buster taunts, then bets Annie will shut her eyes; Gram suggests that Annie could help in the kitchen instead of watching; Mom reminds her to do her regular chores. But Annie rises to the occasion, helps with the fire, and even keeps her eyes open. A realistic and perceptive slice of ranch life, seamlessly incorporating a good deal of information on branding (there's an informative note, too), and tenderly illustrated in Himler's signature watercolor style. (Fiction/Young reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: March 22, 1993
ISBN: 0-395-60118-5
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1993
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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