Varjak Paw is back! The small, silver housecat-turned-hero (thanks to his mastery of the mystical warrior “Way”) now lives on the streets with his alley-cat friends, shrewd Holly and timid Tam, along with Cludge, the galumphing canine galoot. But city life is hard in winter, especially when the thuggish gang, led by the mysterious Sally Bones, monopolizes food and shelter. Varjak tries to defy Sally on behalf of the Free Cats, to find that even the Way is not sufficient against her malevolent powers—while his dreams of his ancestor Jalal promise “something more powerful than fighting.” The tone here is more subtly surreal than the baroque conclusion of the first book: an oppressively sinister atmosphere, punctuated by sudden acts of horror, but leavened by the appearance of fresh characters like the sassy Scratch Sisters, the hulking Orrible Twins and the hero-worshipping kitten Jess. Said’s spare, taut writing effectively propels an increasingly grim plot, and makes Varjak’s growing maturity and leadership appear both natural and admirable. It’s a rare sequel that so surpasses its predecessor; one hopes the neatly resolved plotlines don’t preclude further installments. (Fantasy. 10-14)
Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2006
ISBN: 0-385-75044-7
Page Count: 256
Publisher: David Fickling/Random
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2005
A Is For...? (36 pp.; $16.00; Oct.; 0-15-201582-5) This clever alphabet book invites viewers to discover the animal—one for each letter of the alphabet—that Horenstein has captured in an intriguing tinted black-and-white photograph. It is no easy task, as often, only one part of the animal in question appears: a fin, tail, horn, eye. To add to the challenge, the link between the animal’s name and the letter of the alphabet under discussion is not always apparent, e.g., the ox for X. The photographs have a soft and somewhat old-fashioned look, and encourage repeat viewings. A fuller shot of every animal as well as information on photography appears in the back, where Horenstein also explains that he took 7,000 photos to find the 57 used in the book. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-201582-5
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
paper 1-55037-608-X Large print, telescoped illustrations, and extremely rapid outcomes from decisions propel readers through this whimsical story. Best friends Bing, a pig who loves to cook, and Chutney, a dance-loving elephant have lived together for three years, and “every day was a very good day.” One Sunday, Chutney announces her decision to become a famous dancer, packs her bags, and leaves. Bing hides the tear that wells up at Chutney’s announcement so as not to darken the moment, then opens a cooking school the next day. Opening day produces a crowd of students. Chutney meets with similar success, and by Thursday is dancing in the “Great Hall” before a throng of adoring fans, a day on which Bing has become a famous baker. By Friday Bing is munching on leftovers and Chutney is having the hotel-room blues, so on Saturday she comes backs for a reunion, where Bing cooks and Chutney provides the entertainment. The point is not the pace, but the results: friends support friends in this blithe fantasy with its strong message. Readers impatient for the next adventure of Holly Hobbie’s Toot and Puddle will be glad to have this while they wait. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 1-55037-609-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999
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