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WEAVE LITTLE STARS INTO MY SLEEP

Name: WEAVE LITTLE STARS INTO MY SLEEP
Author: Neil Philip
ISBN: 0-618-08856-3

NATIVE AMERICAN LULLABIES

by Neil Philip & photographed by Edward S. Curtis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2001

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Using the same format as in his previous collections of Native American literature (A Braid of Lives, 2000, etc.), Philip pairs his 15 translations of various tribes’ lullabies with sepia-toned historical photographs of Native Americans. The tribe of the lullaby and that of the individuals photographed are indicated on the elegantly laid-out pages—often the same tribe is depicted in both picture and word. An endnote gives a little background on lullabies in Native American cultures, and Philip describes the kind of liberties he allowed himself in his translation. While he has “tried not to transgress the spirit or the meaning of any of the source texts,” he admits reworking some of the verses into a more recognizable form. They do become beautiful translations in our ears, but not necessarily ones that will be useful for learning about a tribe’s art forms—though sophisticated researchers can follow Philip’s sources, which are well-documented. As there is no music (nor discussion of music) here, it is also unlikely that parents would use this as a source for lullabies to sing to their children; nor will the design or text appeal to many children on a purely literary basis. Despite its potentially appealing subject, and obviously careful treatment and documentation, the readership for this title will be limited with children. For specialized collections or adult interest only. (Nonfiction. 8+)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2001

ISBN: 0-618-08856-3

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Clarion Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2001

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
HOT POTATO
edited by Neil Philip & illustrated by Claire Henley

- BOOK REVIEW
HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET
adapted by Neil Philip & illustrated by Jacqueline Mair

- BOOK REVIEW
IN THE HOUSE OF HAPPINESS
edited by Neil Philip & illustrated by Isabelle Brent

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FRINDLE

by Andrew Clements & illustrated by Brian Selznick ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1996

With comically realistic black-and-white illustrations by Selznick (The Robot King, 1995, etc.), this is a captivating...

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Nicholas is a bright boy who likes to make trouble at school, creatively.

When he decides to torment his fifth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Granger (who is just as smart as he is), by getting everyone in the class to replace the word "pen'' with "frindle,'' he unleashes a series of events that rapidly spins out of control. If there's any justice in the world, Clements (Temple Cat, 1995, etc.) may have something of a classic on his hands. By turns amusing and adroit, this first novel is also utterly satisfying. The chess-like sparring between the gifted Nicholas and his crafty teacher is enthralling, while Mrs. Granger is that rarest of the breed: a teacher the children fear and complain about for the school year, and love and respect forever after.

With comically realistic black-and-white illustrations by Selznick (The Robot King, 1995, etc.), this is a captivating tale—one to press upon children, and one they'll be passing among themselves. (Fiction. 8-12)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-689-80669-8

Page Count: 105

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
THE FRINDLE FILES
by Andrew Clements ; illustrated by Brian Selznick

- BOOK REVIEW
THE FRIENDSHIP WAR
by Andrew Clements

- BOOK REVIEW
THE LOSERS CLUB
by Andrew Clements

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HOW TÍA LOLA CAME TO (VISIT) STAY

From the Tía Lola Stories series , Vol. 1

by Julia Alvarez ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2001

Simple, bella, un regalo permenente: simple and beautiful, a gift that will stay.

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Renowned Latin American writer Alvarez has created another story about cultural identity, but this time the primary character is 11-year-old Miguel Guzmán.

When Tía Lola arrives to help the family, Miguel and his hermana, Juanita, have just moved from New York City to Vermont with their recently divorced mother. The last thing Miguel wants, as he's trying to fit into a predominantly white community, is a flamboyant aunt who doesn't speak a word of English. Tía Lola, however, knows a language that defies words; she quickly charms and befriends all the neighbors. She can also cook exotic food, dance (anywhere, anytime), plan fun parties, and tell enchanting stories. Eventually, Tía Lola and the children swap English and Spanish ejercicios, but the true lesson is "mutual understanding." Peppered with Spanish words and phrases, Alvarez makes the reader as much a part of the "language" lessons as the characters. This story seamlessly weaves two culturaswhile letting each remain intact, just as Miguel is learning to do with his own life. Like all good stories, this one incorporates a lesson just subtle enough that readers will forget they're being taught, but in the end will understand themselves, and others, a little better, regardless of la lengua nativa—the mother tongue.

Simple, bella, un regalo permenente: simple and beautiful, a gift that will stay. (Fiction. 9-11)