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HURTY FEELINGS

Name: HURTY FEELINGS
Author: Helen Lester
ISBN: 0-618-41082-1

by Helen Lester & illustrated by Lynn Munsinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 2004

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Fragility is a hippo and as such, she is “a solid piece of work,” but her feelings are as soft as tofu. A rude comment would sink her faster than a couple pair of cement boots, but she also could read insults in a compliment: “Nice? Do you know what else is nice? Cupcakes are nice. So you’re comparing me to a squishy cupcake.” Boo-hoo. Such a delicate flower comes across as delightfully mirthful in Lester’s tale, though not the consequences of her behavior: The other animals avoid her. Then one day—out of nowhere, really, and it’s not the story’s strong suit—Fragility stands up to the insults of an elephant, who threatens their ball game, without nervous collapse. Fortunately, Munsinger’s illustrations prop up this teetery tale with a brace of good cheer and well-tempered comedy. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2004

ISBN: 0-618-41082-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Walter Lorraine/Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2004

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
BRAVO, BUCKET HEAD!
by Helen Lester ; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

- BOOK REVIEW
BORIS AND THE WORRISOME WAKIES
by Helen Lester ; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

- BOOK REVIEW
TACKY AND THE HAUNTED IGLOO
by Helen Lester ; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

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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)