We'll never understand why so many competent juvenile authors choose to write about ants, those most unindividualized of creatures, in terms of the adventures of one individual — who is often referred to by her species name (here Lasius flavus) as if it's her own personal one. Jean George's yellow ant, who lives under the sidewalk and occupies herself running errands when the queen asks in different "chemical messages" for sugar or pollen or whatever, is sent out one day for a "terribly appealing" and wondrous treasure called Euplectus confluens, of which she's been given a taste as a clue. Lasius flavus encounters various unappealing scents and is successively warned of rain by a drop in air pressure ("She know what this meant!"), carried off to a bird's nest, and lost on a strange section of pavement. But at last in the home of some avenue ants she finds (and later brings home) the ant-loving beetle who, in return for food from Lasius flavus' body, provides her with the "exotic drink" she has been sent to fetch. George's introduction to sidewalk ecology takes into account the bottle caps and fire engines along with the natural inhabitants, and the symbiotic encounter with the beetle is a fitting enough climax to the ant's quest. We would prefer more explanation of the "chemical messages" and fewer exclamation marks denoting ecstasy or panic, but there seems to be a niche for this sort of nature writing.
Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1974
ISBN: 0525254625
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: Nov. 2, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1974
A lovely encouragement to young writers to persist.
This follow-up to How To Read a Story (2005) shows a child going through the steps of creating a story, from choosing an idea through sharing with friends.
A young black child lies in a grassy field writing in a journal, working on “Step 1 / Search for an Idea— / a shiny one.” During a walk to the library, various ideas float in colorful thought bubbles, with exclamation points: “playing soccer! / dogs!” Inside the library, less-distinct ideas, expressed as shapes and pictures, with question marks, float about as the writer collects ideas to choose from. The young writer must then choose a setting, a main character, and a problem for that protagonist. Plotting, writing with detail, and revising are described in child-friendly terms and shown visually, in the form of lists and notes on faux pieces of paper. Finally, the writer sits in the same field, in a new season, sharing the story with friends. The illustrations feature the child’s writing and drawing as well as images of imagined events from the book in progress bursting off the page. The child’s main character is an adventurous mermaid who looks just like the child, complete with afro-puff pigtails, representing an affirming message about writing oneself into the world. The child’s family, depicted as black, moves in the background of the setting, which is also populated by a multiracial cast.
A lovely encouragement to young writers to persist. (Informational picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: July 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4521-5666-8
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A festive invitation to creative liberation.
A pleasingly tactile exploration of the possibilities inherent in mistakes.
"A torn piece of paper... / is just the beginning!" Spills, folded paper, drips of paint, smudges and smears—they "all can make magic appear." An increasingly complex series of scenarios celebrates random accidents, encouraging artistic experimentation rather than discouragement. The folded-over paper can be a penguin's head; a torn piece of newsprint can turn into a smiling dog with a little application of paint; a hot-chocolate stain can become a bog for a frog. Thanks to a telescoping pop-up, a hole is filled with nearly limitless possibilities. The interactive elements work beautifully with the photo-collaged "mistakes," never overwhelming the intent with showiness. Saltzberg's trademark cartoon animals provide a sweetly childlike counterpoint to the artful scribbles and smears of gloppy paint.
A festive invitation to creative liberation. (Pop-up. 4-12)Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7611-5728-1
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: Dec. 10, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2010
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