An inviting plethora of little-known facts about the origins, history, biology, travels, and cultivation of bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons—the unlikely but worthy stars of this entry in the Plants We Eat series. The question, “Don’t bananas grow on trees?” is answered in the opening chapter with a full explanation of banana growth, life cycle, harvesting, and production, as well as a look at bananas throughout time, on their way to America, as business or for enjoyment, and for their role in promoting good health. Each fruit is examined thoroughly; a discussion of grapes includes a history of wine and winemaking, while a look at cranberries takes readers to a bog and reveals the legend behind the name. Each chapter has clear, colorful photographs and illustrations, recipes, fun facts, nutritional information, and little-known tales. Science meets history—Napoleon ate bananas, Gilgamesh relished melons, and Roman soldiers drank vinegar—in a text especially useful in the curriculum that includes foods across time and cultures. (diagrams, glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 10-13)
Pub Date: Nov. 30, 1999
ISBN: 0-8225-2836-3
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Lerner
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
This vibrant, thoughtful book from Katz (Over the Moon, 1997) continues her tribute to her adopted daughter, Lena, born in Guatemala. Lena is “seven. I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she could eat me up”; she learns during a painting lesson that to get the color brown, she will have to “mix red, yellow, black, and white paints.” They go for a walk to observe the many shades of brown: they see Sonia, who is the color of creamy peanut butter; Isabella, who is chocolate brown; Lucy, both peachy and tan; Jo-Jin, the color of honey; Kyle, “like leaves in fall”; Mr. Pellegrino, the color of pizza crust, golden brown. Lena realizes that every shade is beautiful, then mixes her paints accordingly for portraits of her friends—“The colors of us!” Bold illustrations celebrate diversity with a child’s open-hearted sensibility and a mother’s love. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-8050-5864-8
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
A sentimental tale overwhelmed by busy illustrations and rampant pedantry. A gifted quiltmaker who makes outstanding quilts never sells her wares, but gives them away to the poor. A greedy king so loves presents that he has two birthdays a year, and commands everyone in the kingdom to give him gifts. Everyone brings presents till the castle overflows; the king, still unhappy, locates the quiltmaker and directs her to make him a quilt. When she refuses he tries to feed her to a hungry bear, then to leave her on a tiny island, but each time the quiltmaker’s kindness results in her rescue. At last, the king agrees to a bargain; he will give away his many things, and the quiltmaker will sew him a quilt. He is soon poor, but happier than he’s ever been, and she fulfills her end of the bargain; they remain partners forever after, with her sewing the quilts and him giving them away. The illustrations are elaborate, filled with clues to quilt names. A note points to the 250 different quilt names hidden in the picture on the inside of the book jacket. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 1-57025-199-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999
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