Well, it could have happened this way. When the demand for his carved toys outstrips both his ability to make them (even with the enthusiastic if inexpert help of elves) and his storage space, old Claus the forester packs up and moves north, building a big house, enlisting the aid of local reindeer to get the gifts delivered, and even, with the help of his wife, Eva, inventing the Christmas tree. Paxton's is a leisurely tale, using plain language and formal- sounding dialogue. Dooling's oils are rougher, less polished than usual, though still rich in realistic detail: Claus is a kindly figure in red flannels and the elves are really laughing children wearing green hose and curly-toed slippers. The story's matter-of- fact telling and the way characters appear to make eye contact with readers give this a subtle, comfortably tongue-in-cheek tone. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-688-11364-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1995
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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