Mixing memory, science and social issues, these selections vary widely in their accessibility and interest. As always, however, Nye’s sheer joy in communicating, creativity and caring shine through. The focus shifts continually—from honeybees (champion communicators, threatened species) to the continuing violence in the Middle East to memories of childhood (her own and her son’s) to specific situations in which people manage to transcend their differences. These shifts in tone, topic and format require both flexibility and concentration from readers. Rereading, however, is rewarded because of delicate connections and graceful phrases that might be missed the first time through. While much of the work is serious in tone, there are moments of humor also. Most likely to appeal to adults and older teens, this will be warmly welcomed by fans as it offers intriguing glimpses of Nye’s personal beliefs and experience. (Poetry. 12+)
Pub Date: March 1, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-06-085390-7
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2008
Hobbie (Toot & Puddle, 1997, etc.) brings back her winsome swine for a sympathetic look at the blues. Puddle is concerned about his good friend, Toot, who has a severe case of the doldrums. While recognizing that “everybody mopes sometimes,” Puddle still wants to cheer up his buddy, attempting everything from five-berry cobbler to a wild boat ride down the rapids. Yet even an impromptu party with their friends fails to elicit any excitement from the melancholy pig. Only the passing of time and a raging thunderstorm finally alter Toot’s dolorous mood. Hobbie deftly explores the neglected subject of sorrow, making clear to children that it’s okay to be downcast for no discernible reason. Although Puddle’s well-intentioned efforts are seemingly unsuccessful, what does succeed is that Puddle is perfectly in tune with his friend, convincing Toot and readers that they are not alone and that they will be loved even when they are not “up.” Gentle watercolors add a light touch to Toot’s malaise without compromising the compassion found in this graceful treatment of a delicate issue. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-316-36562-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
PLB 0-688-16327-0 Terra’s mother is an astronaut, but as she kisses her daughter farewell before firing up her rockets, she promises to return that evening in time for Terra’s school show, “Earthdance.” Terra practices all day, and in the evening, in a green and blue leotard and toe shoes, she dances the part of Earth, with classmates dancing the roles of sun, the planets, and the seasons. The mother, true to her promise, arrives in time for the finale, with a picture of earth from her travels. The illustrations tell the stories of the mother’s travels through space and Terra’s show simultaneously, with adapted photographs from NASA opposite scenes of the children performing. It’s a lyrical introduction to the solar system and a charming futuristic family story, although science is occasionally sacrificed to poetry, e.g., Earth is not “in the middle of the Milky Way,” and it does not “turn the moon.” Reiser (Cherry Pies and Lullabies, 1998, etc.) concludes with thumbnail-sized photographs she worked with; her lovely perspective on the universe and its mysteries is easy to embrace. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-688-16326-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
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