Children's Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoGaspard on Vacation by Anne Gutman, Illustrated by Goerg Hallensleben
Knopf, March 2001.Picture Book, 32 pages
Ages 4-8
ISBN: 037581115X.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
The Misadventures of Gaspard and Lisa detail the
doings of two darling little dogs who get into all kinds
of trouble. In Gaspard on Vacation, the little black dog
Gaspard visits Venice with his family. They visit
museum, after museum, after museum. Bored as only
a child traipsing after adults in artistic and/or
literary pursuits can be, Gaspard spots a fabulous red kayak in the
canal. As quick as winking, he's jumped into the kayak
and headed off down the waterways. But Gaspard is
far from being an experienced kayaker and crashes into
a gondola, which causes its occupants to land headfirst in the canal.
Frightened, he runs and hides in a church. But
then it gets dark outside and things look grim for the
little dog. But the police arrive, reunite Gaspard with
his family and they all head off to a restaurant to have
"the best spaghetti in the world."
Gaspard on Vacation has just the right amount of excitement and suspense, but also a comforting and happy ending with the arrival of the police and the "best spaghetti dinner in the world." Illustrator Georg Hallensleben uses bright acrylic paints to create a festive and expressive look to the familiar sights of Venice, and the illustrations perfectly complement the style and tone of the lighthearted text. Gaspard is an absolute charmer and his tale will please both adults and children alike.
It's Simple, Said Simon by Mary Ann Hoberman, Illustrated by Meilo So
Knopf, March 2001.Picture Book, 40 pages
Ages Baby- Preschool
ISBN: 0375812016.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Like a fable, this charming story not only entertains;
it opens the door for the parent or grandparent to impart
some wisdom to a young person. The story begins with
a young boy named Simon who is venturing out to prove
himself. First he meets a dog. The dog challenges Simon
to growl, so Simon growls,
and the dog approves of Simon's growl. Then Simon meets
a cat, and the cat challenges Simon to stretch. Simon stretches,
and the cat approves. Finally, Simon meets a tiger who slyly
challenges Simon to growl. Simon growls, but the tiger
complains that Simon has not growled loud enough. On the third
try, the tiger approves. The tiger continues with dares which
Simon readily accepts. This culminates on a dare to jump up on
and ride on the tiger's back. Then the tiger reveals his motive
when Simon says that he will have an egg for dinner and the
tiger reveals that he is planning to have a boy for dinner.
Simon is able to outwit the tiger by saying that he is thirsty.
The tiger takes Simon to the water and Simon tempts him
to go out farther and farther. This enables Simon to swim away
when the tiger admits that he cannot swim.
For obvious reasons, this little tale can be developed into a frank discussion on not trusting everyone one meets, and in the foolishness of accepting a dare. Ms. Hoberman has given us a simple tale which teaches, but does not frighten.
Meilo So has given this story sensitive, yet whimsical illustrations by the use of ink and watercolors on Indian rice paper. Blues, browns and reds characterize the more benign creatures, while the tiger is painted with bold black and orange strokes. Ms. So gives Simon's face eager and confident expressions, but the tiger slowly develops a sly and cunning smile. The effect is light, but the danger of taking dares from friendly tigers is deftly expressed in Ms. So's lovely illustrations.
--Sarah Reaves White
The Seventh Tower #3: Aenir by Garth Nix, Illustrated by Steve Rawlings
Scholastic (Lucas Books), January 2001.Paperback, 233 pages
Ages 9-12
ISBN: 0439176840.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
In this third entry in the enthralling young adult
adventure tale, Tal and Milla make the journey to Aenir,
the land of magic and strange creatures.
Tal finally gets his longed for Spirit Shadow,
but the Spirit Shadow is not exactly what he
had originally hoped for. With Spirit Shadows in
tow (and a furious Milla who never wanted one
in the first place) the two manage to retrieve the Codex and
head back to the Castle
to try to find Tal's missing father and rescue his ill mother.
But evil is afoot in the Castle, and the two young people
have many more adventures ahead of them in order
to fulfill their quests.
Aenir is another suspenseful and entertaining entry in this excellent fantasy adventure series from the author of Sabriel, Shade's Children and Lirael: Daughter of the Clayr. Garth Nix's imaginative world is vividly portrayed and the two young protagonists are quite endearing as they work towards their goals with little adult guidance, save for advice. Tal and Milla are very different people, yet they must learn to work together to achieve a common goal. The action is non-stop, the dialogue is clever and the magical world of Aenir and the Castle is a delight. Highly recommended.
--Claire E. White
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