From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4 In a flat-footed attempt at poetic whimsy, adult science-fiction author Disch tells The Tale of Dan De Lion , a weed who falls victim to a lady gardener enamored of roses but not of dandelions. She ``instructed her gardener Thaddeus Thwaite,/ to root up, poison, extirpate/ All plants but those that she had planted./ To only her roses was growth to be granted!'' Poisoned with ``2,4-D'' Dan seems to dieuntil the day of a fabulous rose party when he and his De Lion family reappear in a sea of yellow to taunt Miss Belinda Buttertoast. Disch's form of rhymed couplets is awkward to read due to poor scansion and forced rhymes. McClun's ink illustrations have a hip irreverence which is somewhat appealing, but they are unable to save the weak story. For light verse with an ironic edge there are many authors from Carroll to Seuss whose work is to be preferred. Without child appeal, this leaves a stale aftertaste. Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
