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UNCLE WHAT-IS-IT IS COMING TO VISIT!!

Name: UNCLE WHAT-IS-IT IS COMING TO VISIT!!
Author: Michael Willhoite
ISBN: 1-55583-205-9

by Michael Willhoite & illustrated by Michael Willhoite ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1993

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From the author of Daddy's Roommate (1990), another purposive story concerning misconceptions about homosexuals. Tiffany and Igor don't remember Uncle Brett, who lives far away in Boston; when Mom happily tells them that's he's coming tomorrow, they ask, `` `Is he married?' '' and Mom gets ``sort of a funny look on her face'' and allows, `` `as a matter of fact, he's gay.' '' Then, before she can explain, she's interrupted by a kitchen crisis. Still wondering, the kids encounter some mean- minded teenagers who regale them with tales of obnoxious stereotypes—frilly cross-dressing, black leather and chains—all flamboyantly depicted in broadly exaggerated cartoon-style illustrations. Mom never does set the children straight before Uncle Brett shows up—a nice, ordinary man who hates brussels sprouts and plays catch better than Dad; he explains that ``gay men are just guys who fall in love with each other'' and that some ``do dress up like women [or] wear black leather. But that's all right, too.'' There's no subtlety here, and the real characters are as stock as the imaginary ones, but Willhoite limns them with sure, expressive lines; confronting the negative caricatures head-on is courageous and effective. Useful. (Picture book. 4-8

Pub Date: July 1, 1993

ISBN: 1-55583-205-9

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Alyson

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1993

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
DADDY'S WEDDING
by Michael Willhoite & illustrated by Michael Willhoite

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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)