Chagrined and astounded that unconventional Aunt Mattie is his fifth-grade substitute teacher for the remainder of the year, Simon, from No More Nice (1996), steadily develops as a character. His classmates are determined to maintain their power and reputation for pushing teachers to the limit, but Aunt Mattie profoundly changes their perspective and goals. Though the continuation from the first is smoothly done, this stands alone well. MacDonald uses a timely theme for children who typically feel unbalanced, at this age, by the realization that they are embarrassed in public by things that they are comfortable with at home. Though the message is slightly strong, it is not belabored: regardless of the apparent humiliation, children need to handle their fear of being ridiculed and confidently develop their beliefs. The plot captures immediate interest, which holds up throughout. Line drawings echo the light humor and reflect the text rather than providing additional insight. The humor is enhanced by the silly stereotyped characterizations of the one-dimensional, power-hungry vice principal and the unprincipled rival teacher. Their inane cruelty blinds them to Aunt Mattie’s and the children’s potential. Their unnecessary wickedness pushes the plot to its conclusion. Slight glimpses into the depth of various characters are seen through Simon, whose major focus is upon himself and his classmates. Leaving room for a welcome third story, this is a fast read for children who want something funny and light. (Fiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: Aug. 9, 2001
ISBN: 0-374-35529-0
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Melanie Kroupa/Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2001
Ironically, by choosing such a dramatic catalyst, the author weakens the adventure’s impact overall and leaves readers to...
A group of talking farm animals catches wind of the farm owner’s intention to burn the barn (with them in it) for insurance money and hatches a plan to flee.
Bond begins briskly—within the first 10 pages, barn cat Burdock has overheard Dewey Baxter’s nefarious plan, and by Page 17, all of the farm animals have been introduced and Burdock is sharing the terrifying news. Grady, Dewey’s (ever-so-slightly) more principled brother, refuses to go along, but instead of standing his ground, he simply disappears. This leaves the animals to fend for themselves. They do so by relying on their individual strengths and one another. Their talents and personalities match their species, bringing an element of realism to balance the fantasy elements. However, nothing can truly compensate for the bland horror of the premise. Not the growing sense of family among the animals, the serendipitous intervention of an unknown inhabitant of the barn, nor the convenient discovery of an alternate home. Meanwhile, Bond’s black-and-white drawings, justly compared to those of Garth Williams, amplify the sense of dissonance. Charming vignettes and single- and double-page illustrations create a pastoral world into which the threat of large-scale violence comes as a shock.
Ironically, by choosing such a dramatic catalyst, the author weakens the adventure’s impact overall and leaves readers to ponder the awkward coincidences that propel the plot. (Animal fantasy. 8-10)Pub Date: July 7, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-544-33217-1
Page Count: 256
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: March 31, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2015
The second installment in this spirited series is a hit.
A new baby coming means Ryan has lots of opportunities to grow love.
Ryan has so much to look forward to this summer—she is going to be a big sister, and she finally gets to go to church camp! But new adventures bring challenges, too. Ryan feels like the baby is taking forever to arrive, and with Mom on bed rest, she isn’t able to participate in the family’s typical summer activities. Ryan’s Dad is still working the late shift, which means he gets home and goes to bed when she and her older brother, Ray, are waking up, so their quality daddy-daughter time is limited to one day a week. When the time for camp finally arrives, Ryan is so worried about bugs, ghosts, and sharing a cabin that she wonders if she should go at all. Watson’s heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. Hard topics like family finances and complex relationships with friends are discussed in an age-appropriate way. Watson continues to excel at crafting a sense of place; she transports readers to Portland, Oregon, with an attention to detail that can only come from someone who has loved that city. Ryan, her family, and friends are Black, and occasional illustrations by Mata spotlight their joy and make this book shine.
The second installment in this spirited series is a hit. (Fiction. 8-10)Pub Date: April 27, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5476-0058-8
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2021
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