From the poet's collection of literary retellings (Told Again, 1927, o.p.), the first half of one of the Grimms' shorter tales, extended into a classic story about two brothers, ``as different as chalk from cheese.'' The rich one is ``a mean and merciless greedyguts''; the poor, a paragon of generosity. How the younger is rewarded and the elder gets his comeuppance makes a satisfying tale, slightly pruned (as the publisher fails to note), and wisely amended by replacing the ``Jew'' who deals in gems with a ``man.'' Hawkes's bright, energetically mannered paintings, busily bordered with decorative details, nicely reflect de la Mare's wry wit. It's good to have a sampling of his worthy collection available in such attractive format. (Fiction. 6-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-87923-934-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Godine
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
Trickling, bubbling, swirling, rushing, a river flows down from its mountain beginnings, past peaceful country and bustling city on its way to the sea. Hooper (The Drop in My Drink, 1998, etc.) artfully evokes the water’s changing character as it transforms from “milky-cold / rattling-bold” to a wide, slow “sliding past mudflats / looping through marshes” to the end of its journey. Willey, best known for illustrating Geraldine McCaughrean’s spectacular folk-tale collections, contributes finely detailed scenes crafted in shimmering, intricate blues and greens, capturing mountain’s chill, the bucolic serenity of passing pastures, and a sense of mystery in the water’s shadowy depths. Though Hooper refers to “the cans and cartons / and bits of old wood” being swept along, there’s no direct conservation agenda here (for that, see Debby Atwell’s River, 1999), just appreciation for the river’s beauty and being. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: June 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7636-0792-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2000
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