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MY MAMA'S LITTLE RANCH ON THE PAMPAS

Name: MY MAMA'S LITTLE RANCH ON THE PAMPAS
Author: María Cristina Brusca
ISBN: 0-8050-2782-3

by María Cristina Brusca & illustrated by María Cristina Brusca ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1994

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In a sequel to On the Pampas (1991), which described a childhood summer on her grandparents' ranch, Brusca relates a year's events on the small ranch her mother purchased to raise cattle, and where the family spent holidays and weekends. A straightforward narrative introducing interesting details of ranch life derives a minimal plot from events concerning the cattle: their purchase at auction, one heifer's escapes through a much-mended fence, and—most dramatically—the caesarian that proves necessary after the little Angus gets together with a big Holstein bull. Endpapers explain the southern hemisphere's seasons and some Argentine terms for foods, dances, etc., with pronunciation; energetic watercolors with angular forms recalling Dirk Zimmer's characters nicely evoke the setting. (Autobiography/Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: March 1, 1994

ISBN: 0-8050-2782-3

Page Count: 36

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1994

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
THE COOK AND THE KING
by María Cristina Brusca & Tona Wilson & illustrated by María Cristina Brusca

- BOOK REVIEW
THE BLACKSMITH AND THE DEVILS
adapted by María Cristina Brusca & Tona Wilson & illustrated by María Cristina Brusca

- BOOK REVIEW
THE ZEBRA-RIDING COWBOY
edited by Angela Shelf Medearis & illustrated by María Cristina Brusca

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)