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PORCH LIES

Name: PORCH LIES
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
ISBN: 0-375-83619-5

TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS

by Patricia C. McKissack & illustrated by André Carrilho ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 22, 2006

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The author of The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural (1992), illustrated by Brian Pinkney, mines a lighter vein with nine original tales that hark back to yarns from her Tennessee childhood. Opening with reminiscent scene-setters, all feature human “slicksters and tricksters” able to get what they want with charm, like con man Pete Bruce—who scores a generous portion of coconut cream pie from an undeceived cook—or despite bad reputations end up performing some worthy deed, as does chauffeur Lincoln Murphy, who excavates a prematurely buried employer. Other tales feature appearances from Frank and Jesse James, helping to rid sharecroppers of a white predator; from Ralph, king of the ghosts; and from the Devil himself, who makes a young musician the same so-tempting offer once made to bluesman Robert Johnson at a certain crossroads. Capped by blues harmonica player Cake Norris’s two-part odyssey up and down the ladder to Heaven, these tales all lend themselves to telling or reading aloud, and carry the common theme that even the worst rascals have saving graces. (author’s introduction) (Short stories. 10-12)

Pub Date: Aug. 22, 2006

ISBN: 0-375-83619-5

Page Count: 160

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2006

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART
by Patricia C. McKissack ; illustrated by April Harrison

- BOOK REVIEW
WHO WILL BELL THE CAT?
by Patricia C. McKissack ; illustrated by Christopher Cyr

- BOOK REVIEW
LET'S CLAP, JUMP, SING & SHOUT; DANCE, SPIN & TURN IT OUT!
edited by Patricia C. McKissack ; illustrated by Brian Pinkney

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SLIPPERY BABIES

YOUNG FROGS, TOADS, AND SALAMANDERS

by Johnston & Judy Cutchins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 14, 1991

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A visually appealing, informative companion to Scaly Babies: Reptiles Growing Up (1988) describes the life cycles of five amphibians, including salamanders, frogs, and toads. Johnston stresses the environmental importance of the more than 4,000 amphibian species and their role in nature's balance. Known for their thin, moist skin, most live on land but return to the water to lay their jellylike eggs. Color photos of the vivid red poison dart frog and strands of toad eggs, like long stands of black pearls, are especially intriguing. Scientific names, size, and range not included. Glossary; index. (Nonfiction. 10-12)

Pub Date: Aug. 14, 1991

ISBN: 0-688-09605-0

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1991

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
PARENTING PAPAS
by Judy Cutchins & illustrated by Johnston

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AFRICAN ELEPHANTS

GIANTS OF THE LAND

by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent & photographed by Oria Douglas-Hamilton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 15, 1991

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A close look at the life and habitat of these ancient, seriously endangered animals. Patent describes the two kinds of African elephants (savanna and forest), then reports on recent efforts to save elephants endangered by poaching and habitat destruction. The color photos on every page are appealing, though some are dark or muddy, while careless captioning limits their usefulness (e.g., in the captions both kinds of elephants are simply ``elephants,'' leaving readers to ponder which is shown). Useful information on a high-interest topic, but a lesser effort from this prolific science writer. Index. (Nonfiction. 10-12)