From Publishers Weekly
With their subtle coloring and lush detail, Spirin's watercolors add luster to the old-world charm of one of the Russian-born artist's own boyhood favorites, a children's story by Tolstoy. Philipok longs to go to school with his older brother Peter but must stay at home with Grandma. When Grandma falls asleep, however, Philipok creeps out of the house and, after a run-in with some village dogs, goes to the schoolhouse, where he proves to the teacher that he's clever enough to begin his studies. Beneduce's (previously teamed with Spirin on Joy to the World, reviewed Sept. 25) retelling is fluid and clear, but the real draw is the artwork. Spirin brings a certain romanticism to his translation of Slavic sensibility, from the traditional peasant clothing of the characters to schoolbooks sporting the Cyrillic alphabet. Rendered in a wintry palette of understated browns and grays, the scenes are full of expression and life. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-Beneduce uses her considerable storytelling skill to retell Tolstoy's simply told tale as a charming read-aloud set in 19th-century Russia. Young Philipok wants nothing more than to go to school with his elder brother, Peter. He waits until his grandmother falls asleep, takes his hat and coat off the peg, and sets out through the snow to the schoolhouse on the other side of the village. Cold and frightened when he arrives, he earns the privilege of staying at school. Spirin's classic, old-world styled illustrations are rich in historical details. The artist combines contemporary Russian technique with traditions of the Renaissance to illuminate this gem.-Doris Gebel, Northport-East Northport Public Library, NY
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
