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A LITTLE STORY ABOUT A BIG TURNIP

Name: A LITTLE STORY ABOUT A BIG TURNIP
Author: Tatiana Zunshine
ISBN: 0-9646010-0-1

adapted by Tatiana Zunshine & illustrated by Evgeny Antonenkov ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2004

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A pedestrian narrative dominates this retelling of a traditional Russian tale of a turnip that grows so large that it can’t be pulled out of the ground until various members of the family—Grandie, Grannie, and Annie (and their pets)—pull and pull and pull. It is their cooperative effort that eventually succeeds in loosening the enormous turnip from the soil. Deep, rich, earth-toned watercolors reflect the events described in the text; the people with their exaggerated features—spider-thin waists, large bottoms, and skinny legs—make the illustrations more cartoonish than pleasant, but they are, nevertheless, the strongest element. This classic is deserving of a more energetic retelling and those abound. (Picture book/folktale. 2-6)

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2004

ISBN: 0-9646010-0-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Pumpkin House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2004

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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UMBRELLA

by Taro Yashima ; illustrated by Taro Yashima ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1958

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Momo longed to carry the blue umbrella and wear the bright red rubber boots she had been given on her third birthday. But day after day Indian summer continued. Momo tried to tell mother she needed to carry the umbrella to nursery school because the sunshine bothered her eyes. But Mother didn't let her use the umbrella then or when she said the wind bothered her. At last, though, rain fell on the city pavements and Momo carried her umbrella and wore her red boots to school. One feels the urgency of Momo's wish. The pictures are full of the city's moods and the child's joy in a rainy day.

Pub Date: March 1, 1958

ISBN: 978-0-14-050240-4

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Dec. 9, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1958

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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TOO MANY TOYS

by David Shannon & illustrated by David Shannon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2008

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Spencer owns a multitude of toys: old toys and new ones, big toys and small ones, bath toys, wooden toys, board games, computer games, miniature cars and trucks, musical instruments, stuffed animals and action figures. They are everywhere, including on the floor where his parents can trip on them. One day, Spencer’s mom has had enough and announces that some of the toys have to go. Shaken, Spencer cries, “BUT I LOVE THEM ALL!” There’s no stopping Spencer’s mom, however, who says she will help and proves to be a worthy adversary when Spencer attempts to make deals. Snappy dialogue and an absolutely on-target understanding of the psyches of both mother and child make the negotiation scene absolutely priceless. Will they both make it through the harrowing task before them? The elaborate, child-friendly pictures perfectly capture Spencer’s world, zeroing in on the chaos with glee and then pulling back to demonstrate graphically the traumas suffered by both adults and child in the process. Shannon’s sardonic wit will strike a chord with parents and children alike. (Picture book. 3-6)