No replacement for the original, but a particularly tender variant.
A lightly massaged version of the classic tale, with atmospherically combed and rubbed oil-pencil pictures.
Recasting Williams’ original text into shorter sentences and simpler language (through a translator), Sakai subtly sweetens the overall tone: The Nursery Fairy’s "I take care of all the playthings that the children have loved. When they are old and worn out and the children don't need them any more, then I come and take them away with me and turn them into Real," is here, “I take care of the toys that the children have truly loved. When their time comes and they have to say goodbye, I come for them and make them Real.” The muted, grainy illustrations add further touches of sentiment, not only in the antique, period flavor of the boy’s clothing and toys, but in the rabbit itself, which has a plump and very soft-looking body, large green eyes (still green after its transformation at the end) and a blue neck ribbon that gradually loses color to underscore the wear and tear of constant use.
No replacement for the original, but a particularly tender variant. (Picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: Nov. 2, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-59270-128-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 25, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The third in the Zigzag Kids series, which features a culturally diverse, tight-knit cast and focuses on one character per installment, turns to would-be inventor Charlie. Charlie can’t wait to show off his new invention to his buddies in the after-school program. Unfortunately, the red sneakers with glued-on suction cups are about as successful at climbing walls as his Breathe-underwater Box was at supplying air. So far, his inventions aren't helping him to live up to his older brother’s stellar reputation with the teachers at Zigzag School. Compounding his woes, Mrs. Farelli picks him to organize the Come as a Character Day and dress as Peter Rabbit. It's a tough week for Charlie as he struggles with self-doubt and others’ expectations. As the day of the event approaches Charlie begins to feel the wonderful buzz signaling an idea for an invention. Could there be an opportunity in a huge load of detritus Jake the Sweeper's truck dumped in the playground by accident? Now he’s got a plan that, if successful, could help everyone and prove that junk is in the eye of the beholder. The cheerful drawings offer levity to the spare, straightforward prose laid out in one- or two-sentence paragraphs. The tension builds mildly, exploring the concept of individuality and the expanding pressures of growing up, demonstrating Giff's keen understanding of chapter-book readers. (Fiction. 6-9)
Pub Date: April 5, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-385-73887-3
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2011
Hailey Twitch’s excitement turns sour when her teenage sister's demanding friend joins the family on a weekend getaway. Even the second grader’s not-so-imaginary sidekick Maybelle faces challenges at the family campground. Desperate to retain her magical abilities, the spunky sprite exerts her powers with unintended consequences. This series entry maintains a well-realized child-centered perspective through every humorous magical snafu. (Arcade games run amok, and the bossy friend’s hair turns green.) Hailey's realistic worries address her jealousy and self-doubt as she initially emulates her sibling’s behavior. When her sister takes part in a forbidden exploration, Hailey's thoughtful response demonstrates substantial growth. Hailey also reveals her growing maturity as she empathizes with her favorite classmate. “Now I know how Addie Jokobeck feels when she is trying to get me to listen to lots and lots of rules. It feels like a very big frustration.” The youngster's energetic voice rings true despite an overabundance of exclamation points. Wispy cartoon sketches depict outraged expressions and sheepish grins. A cliffhanger sets the stage for the next installment. This wholly satisfying trek embodies the a typical Hailey-ism: “very fun and funny.” (Fantasy. 6-9)
Pub Date: May 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4022-2446-1
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: April 3, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2011
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
