Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 10, 1993 TAG: 9310100263
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: D-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Reviewed by PEGGY DAVIS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This book has a very interesting concept _ the architecture of animals. Starting with the bower bird and moving through a selection of other fowl, insects, fish, animals and finishing with the beaver building his dam and lodge in water, the book offers a world of information that is usually available only in a dull science class. I question the design of the book in an oversized lap-style. It suggests something for a toddler but it is actually likely to be of more interest to six-, seven- and eight-year-olds who would probably prefer something in a more grown-up size.
Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat.
By Jennifer Armstrong. Illustrated by Mary Grandpre. Random House. $15.
This is an Oriental story about the dangers of pride. The Ginger Cat saves Chin Yu Min when she becomes a poor widow, lonely and despondent. The message is clear - she had been arrogant and bossy but ended up having to kowtow to a beggar to save herself. The pictures are especially expressive and may appeal more to the youngster than the story does.
Bears.
By Helen Gilks. Illustrations by Andrew Bale. Ages 7-9. Ticknor & Fields. $15.95.
I know someone a lot older than nine who learned a lot about bears by reading "Bears." The largest bear is the Polar Bear, which is no surprise, but the smallest is the Sun Bear who lives in the jungles of Malaya, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand and India. He does not hibernate because of the warm climate. He also sleeps during the day and is active at night. The map, the strong action-filled illustrations and the informative text work together to earn this book high marks.
A Winter Walk.
Written and illustrated by Lynne Barasch. Ages 4-7. Ticknor & Fields. $13.95.
Lunne Barasch may live in New York City but she has captured the colors and landscape of a country walk in winter. Sophie, the little girl in the story, has let the cold, gray mood of winter affect her own mood. Her mother suggests a walk to find the colors of winter: red for winter berries, rust and yellow for dried grasses in the fields, blue for the water in a stream and on until they have a wide spectrum of color. The circle is complete when it starts to snow and the color of winter is white. The pictures and the words in this simple book are a perfect complement. Boys and girls younger than four and older than seven should find this a comforting book.
Peggy Davis reviews books regularly for this page.
by CNB