From the collaborators behind Young Guinevere (1993), a version of the story of Lancelot, orphaned and raised by Niniane, the Lady of the Lake. Sent to King Arthur for training, the young man excels, but his cold and arrogant ways make him enemies. When allowed to test himself, he succeeds twice; a third test eludes him until he sees how selfish he has been. The prose is mannered, with words and phrases that set the mood yet do not obscure the tale. Although the illustrations are colorful and filled with enticing details on medieval costumes, embroidery, tapestry, and decoration, the action and characters can appear quite static. Some of the people are listless in their poses, staring inexplicably into the distance; others are done as full frontal portraits, gazing out at readers; still others—the wailing of a widow, a battle with a giant—interrupt the sheer elegance of the telling with melodrama. Vibrant, but flawed. (Picture book/folklore. 6-10)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-385-32171-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 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
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
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