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Pfister, Marcus
14 Reviews
(4)
K-3
Translated by Rebecca Morrison.
In a plot-light, sentimental book, two mice ponder what happiness is. Their definitions, ranging from "happiness is discovering a little piece of cheese deep in your trouser pocket" to "gazing at a poppy up close," provide wonderful images for Pfister's bright, textured print-style illustrations. Ultimately Leo concludes that "happiness is flying a kite with a friend!"; Zoe replies: "Exactly."
Reviewer: Patricia Riley
(4)
K-3
Translated by Kathryn Bishop.
The book's raven narrator informs an ostracized younger raven, "You just have to fly up to the moon, and when you come back we will play with you." The little raven's brush with death forces the narrator into contrition. Pfister can capably pace a story, but the illustrations--black-dominated against white--grow monotonous.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(4)
K-3
Translated by Anthea Bell.
"Pint-Sized Pete" befriends an even smaller bird, a yellow chick named Steve, who tries teaching Pete to fly. Steve's flock sadly moves on, and though he can't fly, it cheers Pete up when his mother lets him try swimming on his own. Illustrations use simple, feathery-edged shapes to convey emotion more effectively than the rather drab text.
Reviewer: Shoshana Flax
(4)
PS
For each letter of the alphabet, this Swiss import features a vivid, eye-catching animal portrait with the distinctive texture of thickly applied paint. Supplying the facts about the animals are chatty rhyming couplets, many of which sound forced (e.g., wombat: "I have a small pouch, like a kangaroo. / I live in Australia and the zoo.")
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
PS
Ava takes care of a lone red poppy growing in the field by her house. When it turns brown and shrivels, she buries it sadly and marks the spot with rocks. To her surprise and delight, a new poppy sprouts there in the spring. In the spare illustrations that complement this simple joyful story, the texture of the paint calls to mind the papery feel of poppy petals.
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
K-3
Rhyming couplets--one per double-page spread--ask questions about natural phenomena: "Does a whale make up a song / so other whales will sing along?" Answers aren't provided; the book simply points out nature's wonders and (one hopes) stimulates curiosity. The striking, uncluttered illustrations are a departure for Pfister: applying acrylic paint to cardboard shapes, he stamps bright images onto a white background.
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(4)
PS
Young hippo Bertie, while excited about his birthday party, is mostly preoccupied with his gifts. Disaster strikes when Dad mislays his present, but Bertie is finally having too much fun to mind (for long). The very slight story is enhanced by Pfister's spirited illustrations of the hippo and his animal pals against friendly flower-pattern backgrounds.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
(4)
K-3
Translated by Marianne Martens.
In this heavy-handed fable, Milo the mouse finds a glowing stone on his rocky island and learns environmental stewardship from a wise elder mouse. In a cleverly divided format, other mice either learn the same lesson ("The Happy Ending") or succumb to greediness ("The Sad Ending"). Soft greens and grays act as foils for Pfister's signature glitter, sprinkled this time on magical stones.
Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian
(4)
PS
Bertie, a young hippopotamus, wants to drink coffee, read the newspaper, use a credit card, and more, just like Daddy, who appeases the eager hippo with age-appropriate options such as making a newspaper hat. At story's end, the tables turn when Daddy wants to play like Bertie. With their flower-patterned backgrounds, the illustrations enhance the sweet but slight story.
Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty
(4)
PS
Hippo Bernie tries to postpone bedtime. Daddy's attempts fall short as Bernie comes up with one delaying activity after another, and by the end it's Daddy, not Bernie, who falls fast asleep. Though the story is choppy, both children and grownups will relate to the antics. A recurring floral motif in different colors makes the illustrations cohere.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
(4)
K-3
Translated by J. Alison James.
Shunned by the other fish when he refuses to give away even one of his beautiful scales, Rainbow Fish eventually learns to share and finds happiness in friendship. Despite its didactic text and unremarkable illustrations, this tenth anniversary edition will continue to appeal to children with its shiny foil fish scales.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
(4)
K-3
Translated by J. Alison James.
Mikko the hedgehog is satisfied with his quiet existence as a gardener, but his grandfather sends him out to learn about ambition and accomplishment. After meeting several animals who are unhappily striving for success, Mikko convinces his grandfather that he is a content and talented gardener. The humorous watercolors have more appeal than the gentle but moralizing story.
Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt
(4)
K-3
Translated by J. Alison James.
After being deposed by the animals of the savannah, Leo, the lazy lion king, earns his title back by showing kindness to those in need. Though Pfister's warm-toned watercolors are appealingly rendered, Leo's transformation and the story's message aren't entirely convincing.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
(3)
K-3
Translated by Alis Alejandro.
When a young bunny's mother tells him, "La nieve ya empezo a derretirse. Esta por llegar la primavera," he thinks that spring is going to be a friend he can play with. Instead, he finds friendship with a bear. The soft-edged illustrations fittingly depict the season of melting snow. This Spanish edition of 'Hopper Hunts for Spring' is well translated for young readers.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
14 reviews
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