With blithe disregard for credibility or consequences, Jane showers young Milo with treats and rewards after he wreaks destruction along a parade route after blowing off parental orders. Despite being grounded, Milo chases his dog through a conveniently open gate, then knocks over a line of pushcarts along the way. Having created enough wreckage to reroute the parade, he elbows a firefighter, who benevolently gives him a T-shirt, then gets to “drive” a fire engine past his house. Showing not a trace of remorse in Johnson’s bland, smiley art, Milo returns home to mug at viewers while his sister makes a snide comment about how he missed everything. Even less discriminating readers will see a world of difference between David Shannon’s engaging, eponymous ne’er-do-well and this sociopath. (Picture book. 6-7)
Pub Date: May 1, 2001
ISBN: 1-59034-192-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Mondo Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2002
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
PLB 0-06-028388-2 The Rockwells (Halloween Day, 1997, etc.) demystify a great American holiday for the preschool set. Among the mysteries revealed are why turkey is always on the menu along with cranberry sauce and corn bread. In simple, straightforward language, the author relates the history of the first Thanksgiving through the eyes of a preschooler. Students in Mrs. Madoff’s class enact a play about the events surrounding the first gathering; every character recites a piece of Thanksgiving lore while describing the things for which one can be grateful. Throughout the book, the generosity and goodwill among the Pilgrims and Wampanoag is underscored, providing a stellar example of how two disparate groups achieved a mutual goal of survival. The beguiling illustrations feature doe-eyed children and include several historical “snap shots” depicting events from the time of the first Thanksgiving. An agreeable, unbiased explanation of a cherished day. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1999
ISBN: 0-06-027795-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
Wendell, Floyd, Alice, and Mona discover that “anything can happen on Halloween” when their annual holiday outing turns into an unexpected adventure. Getting tricks instead of treats, receiving Broccoli Chews and Eggplant Fizzlers instead of ordinary candy, and being chased by Leona Fleebish and her gang of witchy bullies turn the evening from fun to fright. But Floyd’s pirate costume has some unexpected swashbuckling in it, Wendell’s mad scientist outfit offers some surprises, and Mona’s wand from her fairy princess garb is no fake. Quick-thinking, poetry, and magic wand save the fearless foursome from the clutches of Leona. Small ghosts and goblins will enjoy this fantastical tale of Halloween night. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-590-84625-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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