WHO WANTS A CHEAP RHINOCEROS?

The work of Uncle Shelby seems to be a special taste. We said his Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back (1963, p. 716, J-240) was wonderful nonsense while other reviewers said it was not and still others agreed that it was, too. Lewis Carroll's umpty Dumpty defined his use of "glory" as "a nice knock-down argument" and, if you accept that usage, Uncle Shelby's books are a subject bound to be covered in glory. In this case, he gives the kids a hard sell on an old rhinoceros, slightly used, slightly soiled but a bargain of total amiability. He can play hide and go seek, at up bad report cards, play at pretend as a pirate or a ship, and hover threateningly over parents who get out of line. He can do all sorts of handy things with his horn — scratch books, turn jump ropes and — the "glory" part—"...open beer cans for your father." The open line drawings make him a lovably lumpy rhino with an appealing, lachrymose expression. In spite of the tempering with the temperance taboo, the book is still good juvenile nonsense.