Schrock, a former teacher and now a senior advisor to Heifer International, piggybacks on Page McBrier’s Beatrice’s Goat (2001) and imagines what some ordinary fifth graders might do when they hear it. Mrs. Rowell has no way of knowing that her rainy-day read-aloud would cause such a stir. But Beatrice’s tale gets the entire class shouting, “We want to give a goat!” They work together, arrive at a plan and practice their math skills by running a healthy-snack stand for the teachers. In the end, they have enough to buy a goat and some poultry—and they inspire other classrooms to make a difference as well. Darragh’s swifty, sketchy watercolors depict ordinary, multiethnic students working together, while in the background a goat waits to be sent to her new family. Her playful illustration of the animals’ transportation will have children in stitches. Although some spreads are text-heavy, it’s a great choice for classrooms interested in learning about philanthropy, or for any group of children who needs reassurance that yes, they can make a difference. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: June 15, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-88448-301-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2008
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
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
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