Based on a Latvian tale, but set in Ukraine, Kimmel’s retelling is the story in which the youngest son wins the quest but gives up the prize his two brothers covet. Never very interested in entering the family fray for the farm, Ivan is prodded by his father into competing. Ivan happens upon the Castle of Cats and finds that the queen of cats is very helpful in his success. After winning all three of the challenges—the most beautiful wedding kerchief (inside a walnut); the most beautiful wedding dress (inside an acorn); and the most beautiful bride (the cat queen herself)—Ivan declines the farm, leaving it to his brothers Petro and Havrilo. Ivan and his bride ride off in their coach, never to be seen again. Krenina’s collage and painted illustrations, full of pattern and detail, bring a sense of old-world charm to the oft-told story. A retelling that emphasizes the idea that the quest for happiness is not the same for all people. An additional purchase. (Folktale. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-8234-1565-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2004
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
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
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