by Star Livingstone & illustrated by Molly Bang ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2001
An unusually long easy-reader format—but then llamas are unusual animals, and a guard llama that watches over a flock of sheep is even more extraordinary. First-timer Livingstone does an excellent job of creating distinct personalities for Harley and for the ram of the flock and the shy sheepdog named Jet. The shepherd in the story happens to be a woman who happens to have an Asian daughter, with all the characters in the book based on real people and animals who are former neighbors of the author. The reader learns how a llama can keep a flock of sheep safe from both coyotes and a rambunctious ram, and about quite a few other aspects of both llama- and sheep-keeping, all told in a simple, anecdotal style with a good bit of dry humor. With short sentences, controlled vocabulary, and no contractions, this would serve well as a long easy reader, as transitional fiction between easy readers and chapter books, or as reading material for new teen or adult readers. Charming illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Bang (When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry . . . , 1999) capture Harley’s antics (llamas can spit and throw tantrums) and add personality to the other animals and human characters. An interesting story that will appeal to kids who like uncommon animals and to any family who owns llamas. (Fiction. 6-9)
Pub Date: April 1, 2001
ISBN: 1-58717-048-5
Page Count: 64
Publisher: SeaStar/North-South
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2001
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by Suzy Kline ; illustrated by Amy Wummer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 27, 2018
A fitting farewell, still funny, acute, and positive in its view of human nature even in its 37th episode.
A long-running series reaches its closing chapters.
Having, as Kline notes in her warm valedictory acknowledgements, taken 30 years to get through second and third grade, Harry Spooger is overdue to move on—but not just into fourth grade, it turns out, as his family is moving to another town as soon as the school year ends. The news leaves his best friend, narrator “Dougo,” devastated…particularly as Harry doesn’t seem all that fussed about it. With series fans in mind, the author takes Harry through a sort of last-day-of-school farewell tour. From his desk he pulls a burned hot dog and other items that featured in past episodes, says goodbye to Song Lee and other classmates, and even (for the first time ever) leads Doug and readers into his house and memento-strewn room for further reminiscing. Of course, Harry isn’t as blasé about the move as he pretends, and eyes aren’t exactly dry when he departs. But hardly is he out of sight before Doug is meeting Mohammad, a new neighbor from Syria who (along with further diversifying a cast that began as mostly white but has become increasingly multiethnic over the years) will also be starting fourth grade at summer’s end, and planning a written account of his “horrible” buddy’s exploits. Finished illustrations not seen.
A fitting farewell, still funny, acute, and positive in its view of human nature even in its 37th episode. (Fiction. 7-9)Pub Date: Nov. 27, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-451-47963-1
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Sept. 16, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2018
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by Maribeth Boelts & illustrated by Noah Z. Jones ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2007
The hottest fad can also be the most expensive and out of reach for children in limited financial circumstances. Jeremy, living with his Grandma, dreams of wearing the latest cool black high-tops with two white stripes. But as Grandma points out, “There’s no room for ‘want’ around here—just ‘need’ ” and what Jeremy needs and gets is a new pair of winter boots. Jeremy’s quest for new sneakers takes on more urgency when his old pair fall apart, and the only choice is the Velcro baby-blue set meant for little kids found in the school’s donation box by the guidance counselor. Even Grandma understands and together they search several thrift shops and actually find the coveted black high-tops, but they’re too small. Buying them anyway, Jeremy makes a heartfelt decision to put them to a more practical and generous use. Boelts blends themes of teasing, embarrassment and disappointment with kindness and generosity in a realistic interracial school scenario bringing affecting closure to a little boy’s effort to cope in a world filled with materialistic attractions and distractions. Muted browns/greens/blues done in watercolors, pencils and ink, and digitally arranged, add to the story’s expressive affirmation of what is really important. (Picture book. 6-9)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2499-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2007
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