A Greenaway medalist known for her striking graphic effects (Snow White in New York, 1986) adopts an African setting and motifs for her latest fable. Preoccupied with his own pursuits- -hunting; playing drums while others sleep—Ojo refuses to help anyone until a tree spirit—roused to anger when Ojo takes his fruit—takes him to a kingdom within the tree, where he becomes king on condition that he sometimes says ``Yes'' instead of ``No.'' Ojo rules well, marries, and in time returns with his wife to his village, more accommodating and also happier because he's learned to say ``Yes.'' The simply told tale offers a vital message to those ready to absorb it, but the vibrant art is of most interest here. Juxtaposing decorative geometric patterns in harmonious arrays of saturated colors with filmy skies of tissue- paper tints, the artist fashions one richly imaginative, beautifully designed spread after another. Unusually handsome. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-590-46369-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1993
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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