From Glass (Charles T. McBiddle, 1993, etc.), an amalgam of traditional stories about Johnny ``Appleseed'' Chapman, a charismatic figure with a real way with words. In a first-person narration, Johnny relates howupon the occasion of his half-brother Nathaniel's visithe had to canoe to Fort Pitt for provisions, but accidently floated past his destination and had to make his way back through snowy woods. His adventures with animals and Native Americans are fun enough, but even more entertaining is the way they're told, with a real old-time, storytelling flair, full of ten-dollar words, fancy figures of speech, and philosophical asides, all comically cobbled together. The same style is beautifully carried over into the rough but sturdy oil illustrationsGlass's most mature work yetin which messy marks and sloppy patches of color become well-defined figures by means of rigid outlines. The pictures depict large, sympathetic characters who cotton to clumsy postures; Johnny looks like an overgrown adolescent with bit feet, long fingers, and a face that expresses sheer good will. A detailed biography follows the story. Charming book, charming hero. (Picture book/folklore. 6-10)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-385-32045-0
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1995
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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