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THE FUTURE OF YEN-TZU

Name: THE FUTURE OF YEN-TZU
Author: Winifred Morris
ISBN: 0-689-31501-5

by Winifred Morris & illustrated by Friso Henstra ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 1992

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In a tale that LC terms ``traditional Chinese'' (though no source is given), a humble hero's adventures assume the fortunately/unfortunately pattern: Yen-tzu sets out with a horse to seek his future; the horse runs away but comes back with a mare; the mare throws him, injuring his leg, but his limp keeps him from being impressed by the soldiers who steal both horses. Mistaken for a wise man by the Emperor, Yen-tzu's clumsy explanations are read as riddling prophecies, with the fortuitous result that the Emperor calls off his impending war. The flat style of Henstra's pen-and-watercolor art is undramatic and not easily read; though close examination reveals his skill, these pictures are not especially effective as illustration. The story, however, with its clear, economical narration and an outcome that is both logical and peaceable, is unusually strong. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: March 31, 1992

ISBN: 0-689-31501-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)