Demarest follows up Firefighters A-Z (2000) with this compelling offering on counting. As in Firefighters, Demarest broadens the scope of the traditional concept book by packing the pages with information. In this case, it’s about an elite team of firefighters who parachute into remote locations to battle forest fires. It opens with a bang: “One lightning bolt, in a flash strikes a tree . . . Two pilots radio in what they see.” Demarest’s dramatic pastel illustrations show the tree ablaze as it’s struck by lightning; on the opposite page, a colorful vignette depicts the pilots from the rear as they spot the plumes of smoke outside ahead. By numbering each stage of the response, Demarest heightens the tension until, finally, the smokejumpers leap from the plane (“Ten seconds later . . . the slap, which means “GO!”) At this point, the countdown reverses as three double-page spreads show the ensuing action. In the first, the smokejumper appears in full gear as her parachute skims the surface of the trees and smoke and fire erupt in the background. Later, the smokejumpers clear the area, saw down a tree, and an airplane blankets the area with “three drops of slurry [to] help slow the fire’s spread.” Black-and-white labeled drawings of a “smokejumper outfit” and “Wildland Firefighter Outfit” appear in the opening and closing; an author’s note relates the history of the field and provides further information about terms introduced in the text. References, suggested reading, and the National Smokejumper Association Web site are also included. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-689-84120-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2002
One of the watershed moments in African-American history—the defeat of James Braddock at the hands of Joe Louis—is here given an earnest picture-book treatment. Despite his lack of athletic ability, Sammy wants desperately to be a great boxer, like his hero, getting boxing lessons from his friend Ernie in exchange for help with schoolwork. However hard he tries, though, Sammy just can’t box, and his father comforts him, reminding him that he doesn’t need to box: Joe Louis has shown him that he “can be the champion at anything [he] want[s].” The high point of this offering is the big fight itself, everyone crowded around the radio in Mister Jake’s general store, the imagined fight scenes played out in soft-edged sepia frames. The main story, however, is so bent on providing Sammy and the reader with object lessons that all subtlety is lost, as Mister Jake, Sammy’s father, and even Ernie hammer home the message. Both text and oil-on-canvas-paper illustrations go for the obvious angle, making the effort as a whole worthy, but just a little too heavy-handed. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: May 1, 2004
ISBN: 1-58430-161-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
Amusing but a little off tempo.
It’s important to hit all the right notes.
A tan-skinned musical composer with puffy black hair is busy at work on his next musical masterpiece when Half Note, a music symbol denoting two beats, feels unappreciated. Half Note is jealous of the more commonly used Quarter Note (one beat) and Eighth Note. Although the other musical symbols attempt to calm and comfort Half Note, she decides to run away. The next day, Composer needs Half Note and panics when he realizes that she’s gone. The other notes and musical symbols try to find her, but it’s only when they try to play her favorite song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” without her—with terrible results—that she comes running back. The story’s humor—which is largely based on “dad joke” puns—is completely dependent on readers’ musical knowledge. The artwork, a mix of acrylic and colored pencil, attempts to add some allegrezza to the piece, and while it’s not unsuccessful, it’s facing an uphill battle. Music teachers and musically minded caregivers may find some value in this story, but it will likely be too specialized for general readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Amusing but a little off tempo. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-64567-631-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
