From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-- Despite the appeal of Ende's Momo and The Neverending Story to Disney Studios--they made a movie of both-- Jim Button is standard fare for its fantasy type. Emma, an antique, anthropomorphic steam engine, carries Luke, the engineer; and Jim Button, a small black boy, on a fairy-tale search and rescue mission for a Chinese princess. The three travel from Morrowland, an island nation so small its king thinks one more subject (Jim) will crowd the place, through China to find Princess Li Si in Dragontown of Sorrowland. Emma, who may well be mother of "The Little Engine That Could," is the best drawn character. Overmuch description and cutesy comment make pages--but not much interest. Of course, some readers will throw their hats in the air and shout with joy--as do many characters in this story; others will bless the relief given by the many inserted drawings. --George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
