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TO SEE THE MOON

Name: TO SEE THE MOON
Author: Ethel Bacon
ISBN: 0-8167-3822-X

by Ethel Bacon & illustrated by David Ray ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1996

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Under a new December moon, young Diane gets her first sled dog. As the months slide by, Kimo the dog slowly gets acquainted with his stock-in-trade, and newcomer Bacon introduces readers to poetic names for the full moons: January's Wolf Moon, February's Snow Moon, the Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon, November's Frost Moon. Kimo was the runt of the litter, and Diane's brother is less than supportive of their efforts; but girl and dog improve steadily. At year's end, they enter their first race, and triumph. This muted tale of inspiration is most effective in its example of how to treat a pet: with patience, respect, and trust. That Kimo wins his race is nice, but that Kimo gets to sleep in Diane's bed is even nicer (it's beside the point whether sled dogs really get to come inside). The occasional shards of sled-dog training arcana are a bonus. Ray's illustrations are bold, but, for all the emphasis given to the different moons, they never vary much. Still, a generous and tender story. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8167-3822-X

Page Count: 32

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1996

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)