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NO PROBLEM

Name: NO PROBLEM
Author: Eileen Browne
ISBN: 1-56402-200-5

by Eileen Browne & illustrated by David Parkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1993

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A motto observed in a researcher's lab—``When all else fails, read the directions''—sums up this tale of a mouse who's sent a ``construction kit'' by her friend Rat and assembles a wheeled vehicle (she calls it a ``Biker-Riker'') that does run- -but with an excess of unwanted ``wheelies.'' Reorganizing the parts, Badger comes up with ``Jaloppy-Doppy,'' different but no better—as is Otter's ``Boater-Roater.'' Shrew, however, finds the instructions, lays the parts out neatly, and puts together an airplane that flies them smoothly to Rat's for a birthday party. The lively, well-drawn animals (all female) and intricate contraptions are fun, though more might have been done with using identical components in the different configurations (cf. Tryon's Albert's Alphabet). Still, entertaining. Seven-piece construction kit of the airplane (with instructions) included on jacket flap extensions. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: May 1, 1993

ISBN: 1-56402-200-5

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1993

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
HANDA'S NOISY NIGHT
by Eileen Browne ; illustrated by Eileen Browne

- BOOK REVIEW
TICK-TOCK
by Eileen Browne & illustrated by David Parkins

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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BERRY MAGIC

by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004

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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)