These stories are such fun readers will race through this anthology.
Presenting a delightful cast of animal archetypes from the Far North.
These 26 brief, traditional stories, including fables and pourquoi tales, set in Finland’s forests, describe the comical exploits of cultural-touchstone characters from Nordic folklore: gruff yet good-natured, indulgent, and easily duped Bear and Wolf and lazy, scheming trickster Fox. Other characters, especially wily Hare and riotous Rooster, also stand out. The lighthearted, humorous, and wise tales in this well-written Finnish import are narrated in breezy, conversational tones and include occasional British spellings. Characters are individualized and well realized and have loads of personality; the dialogue-heavy tales are fast-paced and capably convey characters’ quirky temperaments. Many stories reference events that occurred in tales immediately preceding them, so it’s helpful to read them sequentially. The illustrations, created with plant-based watercolors and ink pen, are lovely. The delicate yet lush, textured, detailed artwork captures the naturalistic-looking animal characters. Many illustrations are in full color and appear as full- or double-page spreads; some art appears as spots or insets. The forest setting is amplified with greens and browns; the Nordic climate is reflected in snowy, wintry scenes. Quaint farm buildings and farm tools and equipment lend old-fashioned touches. Themes and plots here are universal; this collection spotlights animals representing people, after all, so readers should recognize familiar human strengths and flaws—and laugh.
These stories are such fun readers will race through this anthology. (Folktales. 5-10)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-78250-744-4
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Floris
Review Posted Online: June 7, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Broccoli: No way is James going to eat broccoli. “It’s disgusting,” says James. Well then, James, says his father, let’s consider the alternatives: some wormy dirt, perhaps, some stinky socks, some pre-chewed gum? James reconsiders the broccoli, but—milk? “Blech,” says James. Right, says his father, who needs strong bones? You’ll be great at hide-and-seek, though not so great at baseball and kickball and even tickling the dog’s belly. James takes a mouthful. So it goes through lumpy oatmeal, mushroom lasagna and slimy eggs, with James’ father parrying his son’s every picky thrust. And it is fun, because the father’s retorts are so outlandish: the lasagna-making troll in the basement who will be sent back to the rat circus, there to endure the rodent’s vicious bites; the uneaten oatmeal that will grow and grow and probably devour the dog that the boy won’t be able to tickle any longer since his bones are so rubbery. Schneider’s watercolors catch the mood of gentle ribbing, the looks of bewilderment and surrender and the deadpanned malarkey. It all makes James’ father’s last urging—“I was just going to say that you might like them if you tried them”—wholly fresh and unexpected advice. (Early reader. 5-9)
Pub Date: May 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-547-14956-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Trisha is ready to start at a new school, where no one will know she has dyslexia. At first, she is heartbroken to be in Miss Peterson’s special-ed class, aka, “the junkyard.” But Miss Peterson treats the children as anything but junk, showing them that everyone has a unique talent. Polacco’s trademark style is fully present here; her sensitively drawn alter ego shines with depth of feeling. When bullying occurs, Miss Peterson proves her students are worthwhile by planning a junkyard field trip, where they find valuable objects to be used in exciting ways. Trisha’s group repairs a plane, and the class buys an engine for it. Then a beloved class member dies, and the children must find a way to honor him. While the plot meanders somewhat, the characters are appealing, believable and provide a fine portrayal of a truly special class. Children will be drawn in by the story’s warmth and gentle humor and will leave with a spark of inspiration, an appreciation of individual differences and a firm anti-bullying message, all underscored by the author’s note that concludes the book. (Picture book. 7-10)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-25078-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2010
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