This Step into Reading Level 3 entry tells the story of a young girl named Jane and her pony, Paddywack. What makes this stand out from other pony titles is that it is told by Paddywack: “When I first got Jane, she did not know how to ride.” Jane’s worst offense, though, is in failing to remember his treats. After he escapes his stall and jumps the garden fence to get them himself, Jane realizes that giving him treats will improve his performance. But when she forgets to bring treats to the big horse show, will Paddywack understand or throw the competition? Howarth’s illustrations, though largely pedestrian in execution and reproduction, accurately depict the riding ring, equipment and jumps. Paddywack himself, though, is full of personality; his facial expressions and body language speak volumes. With an enjoyable story so close to reality (and to the dreams of those who yearn for a pony of their own), this is sure to find readers. (Early reader. 5-8)
Pub Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-375-86186-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Feb. 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2010
An excellent science book by a frequent author. Within the triple borders of black and vividly colored lines framing each page, Gibbons uses deep green and blue backgrounds to set off transparent webs and drab spiders to fine advantage. In a succinct, informative text, she describes some of the 30,000 species of spiders, meanwhile illustrating assorted webs: sheet, tangled, funnel, triangle, and orb. Especially useful are carefully labeled side-by-side drawings of a spider's body and an insect's. A final page offers more odd facts—''Little Miss Muffet'' was probably recoiling from a meal of mashed spiders, ``a common cold remedy, about 200 years ago.'' Visually appealing, solid information. (Nonfiction. 5-8)
Pub Date: April 15, 1993
ISBN: 0-8234-1006-4
Page Count: -
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1993
Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-292858-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999
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