In a cautionary tale about the perils of unbridled bibliophagy, once young Henry discovers that the more books he eats the smarter he gets, he proceeds to gorge—and not only racks up humongous library fines, but ends up with both stomach and brains aboil with undigested content. Embarrassing incidents ensue. Painting and assembling scraps into collages on a wide range of papers, from the insides of tattered dust jackets to old official forms and yellowed graph paper, Jeffers crafts exuberantly raffish illustrations featuring a round-headed lad drawn in quick cartoon style. Ultimately, Henry comes to realize that it’s more enjoyable to read books than to eat them—though, as a chewed-away corner on the rear cover of this one reveals, he’s not immune to occasional backsliding. Dish this out to eager readers, with a grain of salt, and watch them snap it up. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-399-24749-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2007
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A thin version of a relatively familiar tale. Orphaned Chinye comes back from a dangerous errand with a magic gourd that proves to be filled with riches. Her spoiled stepsister Adanma sets out to fetch another, but in her arrogance gets one containing a destructive wind. This differs from other renditions in that Chinye isn't rewarded for any virtue (she simply complains to an old woman, who takes pity on her), while the telling is so cursory that readers will be uninvolved. Safarewicz dresses her figures in elaborately patterned traditional costumes that stand out brightly against jungles painted in large, sweeping strokes—visual drama that the text never matches. The tale gets richer treatment in San Souci's Talking Eggs (1989). (Folklore/Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: May 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-670-85115-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1994
An excellent reference book for first, second, and third graders, with 1800 entries, each followed by an example sentence. A fine ``How to Use Your Dictionary'' guide prefaces the volume. Each entry appears clearly in bold, blue typeface. Definitions are simple, and child-friendly; many full-color illustrations and photographs enrich the child's understanding of the words. In the case of verbs, particularly irregular ones, the past tense is given in a cogent, confusion-free way (``Ate is a form of eat. Chris eats three meals a day. Last night he ate pizza for supper.'') Altogether, a fine book for both home use and classroom. (Reference. 6-8)
Pub Date: July 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-395-67289-9
Page Count: 362
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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