A Bologna Book Fair prizewinner, this deceptively simple import offers one-line answers of widely varying scope to the implied question, Why am I here on Earth? Erlbruch never waxes portentous: For a bird, it’s, “To sing your song”; to a cross-eyed dog, it’s to bark; for a cat, “to purr”; in a pilot’s view, it’s to “kiss the clouds.” Death, portrayed as a nearly abstract figure in a spotted clown suit, answers, “You are here to love life,” and for a powerful boxer, it’s, “To step into the ring.” But even the soldier (“You are here to obey”) and a corpulent man (“To eat well”) are depicted with a light touch, and a duck responds, “I don’t have the foggiest idea.” Illustrated in crayon-and-paper collage on plain, cream colored backgrounds, this ends on a cozy note from Mommy (“You’re here because I love you”), offers more open-ended answers than the likes of Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree (1964) and is certain to leave even younger readers in a reflective mood. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2005
ISBN: 1-933372-03-6
Page Count: 52
Publisher: Europa Editions
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Trisha is ready to start at a new school, where no one will know she has dyslexia. At first, she is heartbroken to be in Miss Peterson’s special-ed class, aka, “the junkyard.” But Miss Peterson treats the children as anything but junk, showing them that everyone has a unique talent. Polacco’s trademark style is fully present here; her sensitively drawn alter ego shines with depth of feeling. When bullying occurs, Miss Peterson proves her students are worthwhile by planning a junkyard field trip, where they find valuable objects to be used in exciting ways. Trisha’s group repairs a plane, and the class buys an engine for it. Then a beloved class member dies, and the children must find a way to honor him. While the plot meanders somewhat, the characters are appealing, believable and provide a fine portrayal of a truly special class. Children will be drawn in by the story’s warmth and gentle humor and will leave with a spark of inspiration, an appreciation of individual differences and a firm anti-bullying message, all underscored by the author’s note that concludes the book. (Picture book. 7-10)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-25078-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2010
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)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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