Jenkins, a cat, gets along happily on Carey Street once Harry has pointed out to the neighbors who object to Jenkins's wandering from house to house that the cat's life is not so different from Harry's: he splits the week between his divorced parents. But when Jenkins captures a bit of a star (not a whole one, just ``a little-bit-of-Dazzle''), the people are affronted- -Dazzle is too bright, too scary, and certainly unprecedented. Harry's mom sums it up: ``That cat is just like your father. He's after the impossible.'' Outrage soon gives way to media furor and fame, during which everyone forgets to feed the poor cat. But Harry's dad, an artist, understands that Jenkins's magic is real- -he just ``got a bit carried away.'' Together, he and Harry find a unique way to set things right by saving the cat from his extraordinary find, knowing that next time Jenkins will be careful not to jump so high. This satirical fable is told with good humor, in language simple enough for younger children to enjoy aloud or read for themselves; Wickstrom's frequent b&w illustrations nicely reflect the mellow, comical tone. This team's The Rainbow Watchers, published simultaneously in the same format, also considers fitting in and the meaning of art, but the storyline is not as strong. (Fiction. 6-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 16, 1991
ISBN: 0-688-10298-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1991
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
Gooney Bird Greene (with a silent E) is not your average second grader. She arrives in Mrs. Pidgeon’s class announcing: “I’m your new student and I just moved here from China. I want a desk right smack in the middle of the room, because I like to be right smack in the middle of everything.” Everything about her is unusual and mysterious—her clothes, hairstyles, even her lunches. Since the second graders have never met anyone like Gooney Bird, they want to hear more about her. Mrs. Pidgeon has been talking to the class about what makes a good story, so it stands to reason that Gooney will get her chance. She tells a series of stories that explain her name, how she came from China on a flying carpet, how she got diamond earrings at the prince’s palace, and why she was late for school (because she was directing a symphony orchestra). And her stories are “absolutely true.” Actually, they are explainable and mesh precisely with the teacher’s lesson, more important, they are a clever device that exemplify the elements of good storytelling and writing and also demonstrate how everyone can turn everyday events into stories. Savvy teachers should take note and add this to their shelf of “how a story is made” titles. Gooney Bird’s stories are printed in larger type than the narrative and the black-and-white drawings add the right touch of sauciness (only the cover is in color). A hybrid of Harriet, Blossom, and Anastasia, irrepressible Gooney Bird is that rare bird in children’s fiction: one that instantly becomes an amusing and popular favorite. (Fiction. 6-9)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-618-23848-4
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Walter Lorraine/Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2002
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