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THE IRISH PIPER

Name: THE IRISH PIPER
Author: Jim Latimer
ISBN: 0-684-19130-X

by Jim Latimer & illustrated by John O’Brien ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 30, 1991

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In a humorously laconic voice, Latimer puts a fresh spin on the ancient story of the Pied Piper. Opining that only an Irishman could have produced such spellbinding music, he updates the tale with delightfully mischievous anachronisms in the spirit of Lester's Brer Rabbit stories. Hamelin's mayor is now a woman; and although the aldermen know the old tale, they rather doubt its details and are sure they'll be able to cheat the Piper; as for the children, the council would be glad to be rid of the majority they consider brats. Latimer provides an alderman's musical daughter to go off with the Piper; fairly enough, they leave the few real brats and take the other children back to Ireland. The author's colorful language and pungent dialogue make this long picture book perfect for reading aloud, though it may take more than one sitting. O'Brien's detailed pen drawings, touched with subdued color, strike just the right note with their cozy medieval setting and subtle caricatures (including the rats, clothed like little burghers); they suit the story far better than more pretentious art like Le Cain's (1989). A fine author's note on the original story and his own speculations is appended. (Folklore/Picture book. 6-10)*justify no*

Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1991

ISBN: 0-684-19130-X

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1991

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
SNAIL AND BUFFALO
by Jim Latimer & illustrated by Tom Curry

- BOOK REVIEW
JAMES BEAR AND THE GOOSE GATHERING
by Jim Latimer & illustrated by Betsy Franco-Feeney

- BOOK REVIEW
MOOSE AND FRIENDS
by Jim Latimer & illustrated by Carolyn Ewing

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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)