Children's Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoNo Kiss for Grandpa by Harriet Ziefert, Pictures by Emilie Boon
Orchard Books, June, 2001.Picture Book, 32 pages
ISBN: 0531303284
Ages Baby-Preschool
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
No Kiss for Grandpa is the kind of book a parent needs
to have on hand to help out a child who is feeling irritated
with the daily constraints of fitting into the world he inhabits.
After all, Louie is busy when his mother comes in and tells
him that he has to get dressed because Grandpa is waiting.
Then his mother asks Louie if he has a kiss for Grandpa.
Irritated, Louie exclaims "No Kiss!" Grandpa suggests
several activities, only to be answered in the negative by Louie.
Grandpa patiently goes along with Louie's irritable mood,
refusing to be drawn in to confrontation or the temptation to
lecture. Finally Louie wants to go home and read a book and
Grandpa complies. Reading calms everyone, and Louie is now
in a happier mood. Grandpa reads two books and then says
"No more books today. I have to meet Grandma at the store."
Louie's mother now asks if Louie has a kiss for Grandpa and
Louie is happy to comply.
There is a lesson for adults as well as one for children in this short, happy tale. There is a time when a young child feels frustrated in a world ruled by adults, and being negative gives a certain since of control and satisfaction . The wise adult resists the urge to be strict and moralistic. A little patience allows the young child to get over his temporary feelings of frustration, and this allows his more permanent feelings of affection to emerge. A child reading this story with a grownup will empathize with Louie, and will understand that angry feelings will go away and be replaced by happier, more loving emotions. A little story like No Kiss for Grandpa is an excellent prescription for a bout with bad feelings.
Illustrator Emilie Boon shows Louie as a little boy cat in a family of yellow striped cats. All children love cats, and most neighborhoods have a few yellow striped cats in residence. Ms. Boon's large, simple paintings of yellow striped cats against the largely blue background of the beach add emphasis to this simple tale of a young boy having an irritable afternoon. The knowledgeable expressions on both Louie's and Grandpa's faces do a great deal to add to the understanding of this little tale which is sure to be a hit.
--Sarah Reaves White
Rock Steady: A Story of Noah's Ark by Sting, Illustrated by Hugh Whyte
HarperCollins, March, 2001.Picture Book, 32 pages
ISBN: 0060292318
Ages 4-8
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Rock Steady was originally a song written by the
world-renowned rock star Sting in 1987.
In this new publication, Sting has adapted the original lyrics,
which retell the beloved biblical story of Noah's ark, and
combined them with the strong simple and colorful images
of Hugh Whyte. This team has produced a strong story with
a powerful message, set in an imaginative new format.
The purpose of the book, of course, is to present a strong
lesson about stewardship and people's role as God's helpers
in preserving our beautiful and steady "rock."
All children respond to the many levels of poetry, and it is safe to say that any child would respond to the strong rock beat of Rock Steady. Children will enjoy reading the book along with a favorite adult, while tapping out the beat with a foot or a nod of the head. Although some parents might be mildly taken aback by the ungrammatical poetic license of the author in such phrases as "We didn't need no country. Just a rock would do," they really shouldn't worry that they are teaching incorrect grammar. After all, poets are allowed to tweak the language in order to produce a rhyme or a beat, and children recognize that rules of communication can sometimes be bent a little.
The geometrical illustrations of Hugh Whyte are a particular delight. Strong primary colors combined with simple shapes make for a cheerful and upbeat message. In most of the illustrations the figures are large, as well as simple. They will make a strong impression on a young child.
The proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Rainforest Foundation. The Rainforest Foundation, founded by Sting and his wife Trudie Styler in 1989, has raised millions of dollars to protect the Brazilian rainforest and its denizens, both human and animal. Rock Steady is an upbeat and happy book that will support a very worthy cause.
--Sarah Reaves White
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