In his third collection, a well-known storyteller again gathers tales from around the world, featuring clever and foolish folk of all ages, supernatural creatures, hearty humor, low levels of violence, and deftly delivered messages. Some selections—the Japanese ``The Listening Cap''; the African ``Tug of War''—are already favorites, but several are from less familiar traditions (the Fijian ``How the Mosquitoes Left Kambara''), or from sources long out of print. ``The Princess Who Could Not Cry,'' billed as ``an original tale, more or less,'' is a funny switch on the idea of a pining princess; ``Old Joe and the Carpenter'' has traditional roots, but has become one of DeSpain's trademark stories. Exotic origins rest lightly on these tales, which are presented in easy- to-learn versions enlivened with unforced humor and clear, fluent language; most would take ten minutes or less to tell. Their readers will bring away a stronger impression of human culture's unity than of its diversity. Fine for independent reading or as a resource for fledgling storytellers. Source notes. (Folklore. 7+)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-87483-265-9
Page Count: 128
Publisher: August House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1993
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The author of Cricket and the Crackerbox Kid (1990) weighs in with another unusually original story. When their parents let them stay at home alone during the summer, Eddy (9), Taffy (11), and Russell (12) become involved in an escalating series of pranks, shifting alliances, and misunderstandings that are barely slowed even after their parents ground them. Taffy—from whose point of view the story is told— is especially interested in getting back at Russell because of his remarks about her new best friend, Susan. But when Taffy's cat is endangered by the practical jokes, all three siblings are united in the cat's behalf, while Taffy herself faces some hard facts about her own behavior—and Susan's. Although the writing is utilitarian, and adult characters are barely sketched, Ferguson has the realities of everyday suburban life and sibling warfare to a tee. Funny, believable entertainment. (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: April 30, 1991
ISBN: 0-02-734526-2
Page Count: 140
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1991
First-grader Bo Dibbs expects fame and fortune when he enters the family dog in the ``Woofies Dog Food'' contest. Dolby, as Bo explains to his class, is a natural winner: he's exceptionally intelligent and has a great woof. Emulating his determined older brother (see Oliver Dibbs to the Rescue!, 1985, etc.), Bo spends weeks training the huge, good-natured Dolby, whose talent reaches troublesome new heights when he learns to answer the telephone. The result is light, episodic fare with minimal characterization, somewhat stereotypical views on older sisters, and a nicely unexpected conclusion. (Fiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: April 24, 1991
ISBN: 0-688-08435-4
Page Count: 117
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1991
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