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GIVE A GOAT

Name: GIVE A GOAT
Author: Jan West Schrock
ISBN: 978-0-88448-301-4

by Jan West Schrock & illustrated by Aileen Darragh ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2008

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Schrock, a former teacher and now a senior advisor to Heifer International, piggybacks on Page McBrier’s Beatrice’s Goat (2001) and imagines what some ordinary fifth graders might do when they hear it. Mrs. Rowell has no way of knowing that her rainy-day read-aloud would cause such a stir. But Beatrice’s tale gets the entire class shouting, “We want to give a goat!” They work together, arrive at a plan and practice their math skills by running a healthy-snack stand for the teachers. In the end, they have enough to buy a goat and some poultry—and they inspire other classrooms to make a difference as well. Darragh’s swifty, sketchy watercolors depict ordinary, multiethnic students working together, while in the background a goat waits to be sent to her new family. Her playful illustration of the animals’ transportation will have children in stitches. Although some spreads are text-heavy, it’s a great choice for classrooms interested in learning about philanthropy, or for any group of children who needs reassurance that yes, they can make a difference. (Picture book. 6-10)

Pub Date: June 15, 2008

ISBN: 978-0-88448-301-4

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Tilbury House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2008

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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WILD, WILD WOLVES

by Joyce Milton & illustrated by Larry Schwinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1992

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
DINOSAUR DAYS
by Joyce Milton ; illustrated by Franco Tempesta

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GOONEY BIRD GREENE

by Lois Lowry & illustrated by Middy Thomas ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2002

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Gooney Bird Greene (with a silent E) is not your average second grader. She arrives in Mrs. Pidgeon’s class announcing: “I’m your new student and I just moved here from China. I want a desk right smack in the middle of the room, because I like to be right smack in the middle of everything.” Everything about her is unusual and mysterious—her clothes, hairstyles, even her lunches. Since the second graders have never met anyone like Gooney Bird, they want to hear more about her. Mrs. Pidgeon has been talking to the class about what makes a good story, so it stands to reason that Gooney will get her chance. She tells a series of stories that explain her name, how she came from China on a flying carpet, how she got diamond earrings at the prince’s palace, and why she was late for school (because she was directing a symphony orchestra). And her stories are “absolutely true.” Actually, they are explainable and mesh precisely with the teacher’s lesson, more important, they are a clever device that exemplify the elements of good storytelling and writing and also demonstrate how everyone can turn everyday events into stories. Savvy teachers should take note and add this to their shelf of “how a story is made” titles. Gooney Bird’s stories are printed in larger type than the narrative and the black-and-white drawings add the right touch of sauciness (only the cover is in color). A hybrid of Harriet, Blossom, and Anastasia, irrepressible Gooney Bird is that rare bird in children’s fiction: one that instantly becomes an amusing and popular favorite. (Fiction. 6-9)