Ashraf lives in Africa, but not in the stereotypical place with lions, crocodiles, or zebras; his home (like the authors' and illustrator's) is Cape Town, depicted here as much like any big city, though there are some unusual things for sale and the unique music of Africa can be heard in the streets. There's also a library, where Ashraf finds his favorite book—the one that tells about the lions he has never seen, lazing in the sun. Gently, the authors make their important point, focusing on Ashraf's real world and the amusing irony of his finding the jungle just as exotic as his American counterparts do. Maritz's illustrations, his first, are outstanding; using broad brushstrokes and slightly muted colors in vibrant juxtapositions, he brings Ashraf's city to life in paint while representing those other landscapes more impressionistically. No poverty is shown; most of the faces are dark, including the librarian's, but this book is not about racial issues. A salutary glimpse of life's similarities in South Africa. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-525-44848-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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