Though they're best friends, Sarah Bell and Penny May often quarrel. On the day in question, a combination of wonderfully believable accidents, insults, and hurt feelings leaves Penny up the tree in Sarah's yard, refusing to come down until Sarah apologizes. Some gentle escalation ensues: the Mums intervene, each scolding her own child but sympathetic to the other; the Dads get involved, and firemen are called—all to no avail. It's Sarah who gets Penny down at last, as the two make a new alliance and announce a sleepover. "I thought you were having a fight," says Mrs. Bell, to which Sarah replies, "It was our fight." The parents' response is bemused but benevolent (followed by some firm rules for next time); parting next morning, the girls are ready (well, almost) to joke about yesterday's tiff. In b&w illustrations (on almost every page) with a lively style reminiscent of Quentin Blake's, Cox catches the nuances in every stance and expression. A funny, easily read story that's also generous, true to life, and (like Wrightson's novels for older children) beautifully written. Pair this one with Steig's Spinky Sulks (1988). (Fiction/Young reader. 7-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0141306912
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
In a winning sequel to Best Enemies (1989), Priscilla's innate good nature is challenged by beruffled Felicity's snakelike guile in four more episodes. Each time, it's Priscilla's careless trust in her proven enemy that starts the trouble. The lemonade stand is Priscilla's idea, but Felicity steals the show—then greedily raises her prices, so that Priscilla's better product and fairer business practices win after all. When Priscilla confides that if her bike fails inspection her parents have promised her a new one, Felicity makes sure that Priscilla's bike becomes the class Safety Week project—only to reap the humiliation of having her own snazzy bike judged too big, requiring blocks until she grows into it, while Priscilla's finally fails because it is actually too small, as she's been trying to explain to her parents. Broad but not simplistic characterizations: Leverich drops hints that Felicity's family is not all it could be; and Priscilla's niceness is genuine, making her inadvertent victories even more satisfying. Cleverly plotted, easily read, funny—what could be better for an easy chapter book? Illustrations not seen. (Fiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: May 24, 1991
ISBN: 0-688-09440-6
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1991
In Emmett's Pig (1959), Emmett received his heart's desire; ``King Emmett,'' a pig described as his but kept on a farm at some distance from his N.Y.C. home. Now, in one day, Emmett receives two overwhelming pieces of news: he hears that his family is moving to a small Ohio town (which precipitates what may be his first temper tantrum); then, with remarkably bad timing, his mother tells him that King Emmett is no more—he has met a pig's usual fate. Not surprisingly, Emmett arrives at the Ohio house full of belligerence, but Ohio simply doesn't fight back: the house really is nicer; despite Emmett's suspicions, the older boy next door is friendly and teaches Emmett to ride his new bike; and a more suitable pet is soon provided—a dog with a memorial name (see title), to be called simply ``King.'' Once past the jolting (though not altogether improbable) beginning, this becomes a pleasant story of necessary adjustments made with good intentions and with some realistic parent-child negotiations. Williams's contribution is minimal here, but Emmett is recognizable, just a year older. (Fiction/Young reader. 7-10)
Pub Date: May 24, 1991
ISBN: 0-688-09520-8
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1991
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