From Publishers Weekly
The Caldecott Honor recipient for the dreamlike picture book Free Fall offers another work to delight children and spark their imaginations. Wiesner's detailed, exquisitely rendered paintings draw the reader into his story of a hurricane's progress with all the sweep and immediacy of a film sequence. As the sky grays and the leaves swirl by in a "green blizzard," David, George and their parents share a cozy supper by the fireplace. The next morning, the boys discover that a big elm which had stood on their lawn now lies stretched across their neighbor's yard. The old tree becomes the vessel that whisks the pair to adventure, as they joyously explore exotic jungles, confront pirates on the seven seas and travel to the stars. Sometimes they just relax, enjoying "their private place, big enough for secret dreams, small enough for shared adventure." One day, though, reality intrudes as workers arrive to remove the tree from their neighbor's yard. Glum all afternoon, the boys brighten when their dad announces that another storm is on the way: maybe a second tree will fall, this time into their yard! This is an exuberant, absorbing slice of life. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
However worrisome for adults and insurers, hurricanes can be the stuff of lifelong memories for children. Wiesner draws on just such memories for this book. It begins in the kitchen, where groceries are being stockpiled, and misses few highlights: the taped glass storm door, supper on the floor in front of the fireplace, a hurricane lamp at bedtime, and excited speculation about what the storm is doing outside the snug house. The brothers here, about seven and ten years old, get a bonus when a big elm blows down. For days it serves as a fantasy prop, becoming a spaceship, a jungle, a caravel--a place "big enough for secret dreams, small enough for shared adventure." This dream ends in a cord of firewood, but another threatened storm brings hope springing eternal. The child-focused, low perspective gives even ordinary scenes an extra measure of drama, and the fantasy spreads are detailed delights. It's fun to find the cat, Hannibal, who registers subtle degrees of disgust, disgruntlement, and hauteur at the disruption of his domain. We wouldn't wish a real hurricane on children, but this book will give them a taste of the magic of the moment when the lights go out. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.