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Stevenson, James
14 Reviews
(2)
K-3
In this sequel to Don't Make Me Laugh, goofy pig Freddy Fafnaffer reads out grouchy crocodile Mr. Frimdimpny's rules for readers, including "Do not laugh or smile or giggle." Some very short stories follow, each with slapstick humor calculated to make young readers break the rules. Stevenson's trademark illustrations retain their energy and humor.
Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2004
(3)
1-3
When tap-dancing con artists Tonya and Ted blow into town, would-be showman (and terrible dancer) Stan signs up for lessons. But when Tonya and Ted split right before the big show, Stan saves the day, proving that he's a born showman. Less ensemble-based than previous Mud Flat books, this one is just as deftly written, rewarding, and, with its droll watercolor vignettes of the all-animal cast, humorous.
Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano
(2)
K-3
In this seventh book of Corn poetry, Stevenson's observations of the everyday world are as keen and transformative as ever. As in the other volumes, words, typeface, and illustrations combine to create a distinctive space for each poem. Many are gently thought-provoking, others put new twists on familiar sights, and the humor in the funny poems is right at kid-level.
Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2003
(3)
4-6
Less poetry than a collection of verbal and visual observations, these musings are shot through with Stevenson's wry scrutiny of, and appreciation for, the world around him. For example, in "Aloe," the words "We have reason to believe / that our aloe / dreams of becoming / an octopus" undulate along a sketch of the plant's "tentacles." Spare but appealing, these poetic ponderings render the ordinary fresh.
Reviewer: Carolyn Shute
(2)
K-3
Stevenson ensures his mouse creation, Hubie, several thrills, a couple of chills, and plenty of fun in this latest adventure. The year is 1937 when Hubie and his family travel to Barabooda Island aboard a giant dirigible. All seems well until Hubie falls out of the ship and onto a deserted island. The surprise ending is perfectly in sync with the comic-book flavor and design of the whole. Tom Hanks, eat your heart out.
Reviewer: Mary M. Burns
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2002
(3)
4-6
Stevenson "corn"tinues to transform the ordinary into something more notable in his latest collection of brief poems. Keenly observed and percolating with wit, whimsy, and sometimes nostalgia, the poems' subject matter ranges from umbrellas and defunct diners to old shoes and electric fans. The watercolor-washed drawings are loose and easygoing. This collection is as satisfying as a meander down a country road.
Reviewer: Carolyn Shute
(2)
K-3
In this fourth helping of Corn, Stevenson again provides a pleasant assembly of short poems and aphorism, accompanied and often enlarged by pen and watercolor sketches. While some of the pages rely too easily on down-home charm or sentimentality, at their best the poems bring fresh life to the mundane: "When the wind blows / Through the junkyard / You can hear the hubcaps / C l a n g ."
Reviewer: Roger Sutton
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2000
(2)
1-3
The animal villagers of Mud Flat prepare to celebrate Christmas in their own inimitable style. Stevenson's quirky humor is much in evidence in both text and illustration, and as always the episodic format is perfect for new readers, with each brief chapter complete unto itself and yet also part of the larger story. A solid entry in an often-sublime series.
Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2000
(4)
K-3
Looking for shelter, a traveling rat winds up inside a museum of natural history, where he finds warmth, interesting surroundings, and friendly fellow squatters. A mishap with a dinosaur skeleton leaves the group out in the cold until they repair the skeleton and win a place on the museum staff. Unnecessary dialogue dilutes the humor, but Stevenson's loose watercolor cartoons energize this whimsical story.
Reviewer: Liza Woodruff
(4)
K-3
Tyrannical Mr. Frimdimpny polices the pages of this book, where he also makes up the rules. No laughing, no smiling, and no disobedience are allowed. If readers break a rule (a very tempting proposition), they must return to page one and start over. Although a bit unfocused, the premise is fun and Stevenson's loose watercolor illustrations convey much of the humor.
Reviewer: Mark Adam
(2)
K-3
Stevenson's unpretentious blending of whimsy and wisdom continues to surprise in this companion book to Sweet Corn and Popcor3044
Reviewer: Nancy Vasilakis
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 1999
(2)
K-3
This latest addition to an acclaimed series is as quietly humorous and wisely innocent as its predecessors. Ten short chapters relate the April Fools' Day exploits of the denizens of Mud Flat. Sometimes the tricks work just as planned, sometimes they bomb, and sometimes the tricker becomes the tricked. Stevenson's personality-laden sketches grace every page in an eye-pleasing balance of text and illustration.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
(2)
4-6
Thirty-two easy-to-read poems demonstrate, as in 'Sweet Corn', the singular effects produced when an artist is also a writer. Varying page designs and typefaces contribute to the visual impact. The poems, predominantly free verse, call attention to domestic comedies, the wonders of nature, and the poignant moments of family life. Stevenson's evocative line and skillfully applied swashes of watercolor immediately communicate his inner vision.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
(2)
K-3
Visiting his Grandpa Sam in the city, young Matt proudly watches his grandpa drive the Zamboni at the hockey stadium and, after the game, cheers him on as he skates around the ice with his old, bandaged hockey stick. On the last night of his visit, Sam lets Matt drive the Zamboni. The softly spoken story line is accompanied by illustrations that portray these moments in an unsentimental and realistic style.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
14 reviews
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