Billed as a ``true story,'' this is the reported life-cycle of Chocolate, born in Glacier Park and weighing less than a pound and ``smaller than one of her mother's paws.'' On the way to asserting independence as a cub, she learns to dig for alpine bistort bulbs, search for a winter den, and beware the sting of a large male grizzly's claws. As Chocolate wanders through Many Glacier Valley, she beholds a strange creature on two hind legs— a man. Midway through the story, the point of view switches from Chocolate's to that of the humans; the park rangers stun her with a tranquilizing dart, slip a radio collar on her neck for tracking, and transport her via helicopter to her new home much deeper in the park, away from people. The delivery is straightforward and without suspense, with awkward grammar and a disquieting blend of fact and fabrication. Wildlife sketches show bears at play, work, and on the move, in profile and upright, swimming, hunting, fighting, and sleeping, against mountainous, snow-capped scenery. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1997
ISBN: 1-882728-63-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1997
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
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