Man’s best friend makes a bid to become mankind’s best friend in this tale of wagging tails and world peace. Though a normal puppy in every sense of the word, Weezer acquires a heightened intelligence when a bolt of lightning strikes him on the noggin. Suddenly the pup is interested in math, science and interior design. As time goes by, he tackles disaster relief, an end to disease, solutions to pollution and, finally, mediation between nations. His spate of good deeds comes to an abrupt end when a second lightning bolt renders him doglike once more. Fortunately the people of the world vow to carry on in his name. With this canine interpretation of “Flowers for Algernon,” McPhail tones down the didacticism, understanding that while having a message is important there’s no need to hit readers over the head with it. His customary watercolor washes are set against a series of white backdrops, resulting in a light and airy concoction that enjoys only the daintiest suggestion of a moral. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4169-9000-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2009
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
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
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