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THE LONELY SCARECROW

Name: THE LONELY SCARECROW
Author: Tim Preston
ISBN: 0-525-46080-2

by Tim Preston ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1999

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The story of how winter transforms a lonely scarecrow into a benevolent snowman, enabling him to befriend all the creatures he’s supposed to frighten away. In Kneen’s realistic illustrations, this scarecrow is just as frightening as his species dictates, sending fear into the hearts of small rodents, birds, and butterflies with his jagged teeth and flapping arms. For the entire summer he stands alone in his field watching the birds and animals raise their young; in the fall, some of the creatures head off to hibernate, making him feel even more alone. Then it snows, and under the thick white blanket of flakes the scarecrow has a friendlier demeanor. No longer afraid, the animals climb all over him, and now the scarecrow has one last worry—that when the snow melts, so will his new friendships. The illustrations are detailed, with embossed details that give this book the look of a fattened greeting card; most children will be cheered by the scarecrow’s good fortune, and will not be able to predict its advent. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-525-46080-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
PUMPKIN MOON
by Tim Preston & illustrated by Simon Bartram

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QUACK AND COUNT

by Keith Baker & illustrated by Keith Baker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1999

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Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-15-292858-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
HAP-PEA VALENTINE'S DAY
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

- BOOK REVIEW
LMNO PEA-QUEL
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

- BOOK REVIEW
HAP-PEA ALL YEAR
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

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FROGGY PLAYS SOCCER

by Jonathan London ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

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This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)