From Publishers Weekly
Mahy ( The Seven Chinese Brothers ; The Great White Man-Eating Shark ) writes with considerable verve about a most unusual houseguest. A blue-flowered plant begs mild-mannered Mr. Parkin to take her home and tend to her--"I will be your humble little potted plant, though I am actually a rare and valuable species." When the plant becomes increasingly demanding ("I must have entertainment. I need the finer things of life.") it becomes apparent that poor Mr. Parkin is out of his depth. Luckily for him help appears from an unexpected source, and Mr. P. can return to the quiet obedience of his pumpkins. Mahy's droll, inventive tale possesses her trademark exuberance, and Craig's ( Angelina Ballerina ) illustrations perfectly capture the sense of fun. Though her palette is not vibrant, the humorous expressions on both people and plants are thoroughly engaging. A botanical beauty. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-- A humorous and intriguing story that is both gentle and satisfying. Mr. Parkin grows pumpkins; that's all he wants to grow. So he is surprised to find himself carting home a plaintive blue creeper that has insinuated itself into his wheelbarrow full of potting mix. The vine, a former resident of the mysterious garden of Lily Rose Willowherb, declares it was being mistreated, but by the time its horrifying tantrums have reduced Mr. Parkin to renting a full symphony orchestra to entertain it, it is clear who is being abused. The appearance of Lily Rose, who looks as exotic as her creeper, and her summary handling of the ungrateful creature are quite a relief. Mr. Parkin returns to the silence of his pumpkins, which all display gentle smiles as the crafty creeper exits stage right. Craig's watercolors are restrained but expressive. Her reserved, balding Mr. Parkin is just the sort of person who would be henpecked by a plant, and seven flower faces show a wide range of emotions, from contentment, to irritation, to a feigned swoon. They provide a fitting complement to this tongue-in-cheek cautionary tale, which will leave young readers wondering just what else might be behind Lily Rose's garden walls. --Ann Welton, University Child Development School, Seattle
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.
