Cowley’s (Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses, 1999) spunky, bespectacled heroine acquires a pet as unabashedly unique as she is when a trip to the local shelter results not in the intended cat, but a dog. The energetic pup soon earns the name Major Bark—and a permanent place in the hearts of Agapanthus and her family. In fact, Agapanthus feels Major is so splendid that he should compete in the local dog show. Even in the world of purebreds, Major’s individuality shines like a beacon, earning him a snazzy blue ribbon—for the pooch with the smallest eyes. Cowley’s vivacious prose wraps readers up in its ebullience. In her signature whimsical style, she adroitly conveys the heady feeling of love that owners, new and old, have for their adored pets. “A hum fizzed in Agapanthus like cherry soda pop as she cuddled the little dog in the back of the car.” Separated into seven brief chapters and filled with pictures large and small, this works well for independent reading but can also be shared aloud with fledgling readers. Plecas’s playful full-color illustrations humorously portray canine ardor and high-spirited hijinks of both puppy and child. This sparkling addition to the adventures of Agapanthus gently reminds us all that it’s more than okay to be different: it’s cause for celebration. (Fiction. 5-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-399-23322-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2000
A skirmish over a favorite stuffed rabbit nearly destroys a friendship and the toy itself, but well-timed physical and emotional bandaging saves the day. When a little boy moves in next door to a little girl they quickly becomes friends and start sharing toys. This works well for cars, trucks, bears, and balls, but when the boy shows up with a new stuffed rabbit, cooperation goes out the window. In the ensuing tug-of-rabbit, each child yanks on the poor bunny’s ears until the stitching gives way. Figuring out a way to repair the rabbit also eventually patches up the friendship. Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes. Jahn-Clough’s pleasantly stubby children convey both healthy loud-mouthed anger and substantial charm. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-93545-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The poster boy for relentless mischief-makers everywhere, first encountered in No, David! (1998), gives his weary mother a rest by going to school. Naturally, he’s tardy, and that’s but the first in a long string of offenses—“Sit down, David! Keep your hands to yourself! PAY ATTENTION!”—that culminates in an afterschool stint. Children will, of course, recognize every line of the text and every one of David’s moves, and although he doesn’t exhibit the larger- than-life quality that made him a tall-tale anti-hero in his first appearance, his round-headed, gap-toothed enthusiasm is still endearing. For all his disruptive behavior, he shows not a trace of malice, and it’ll be easy for readers to want to encourage his further exploits. (Picture book. 5-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-590-48087-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1999
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