Reviews

K-Gr 2‘Jeremy, a freckled youngster with glasses, has just turned six and recounts how he has changed since he was five. While little toy cars and harmless flying dinosaurs pleased him then, now nothing less than racing cars and the fierce T. rex will do. While he wanted to be an astronaut or a cowboy then, now he sees himself as a famous baseball player or deep-sea diver. But in the midst of all these changes, his best friend is still Mark. Howard has wrapped this delightful offering in a package that is sure to appeal to its intended audience. He has hand-lettered the minimal text in large letters to simulate a child's print. The double-page illustrations, done in watercolor, gouache, and black pencil, are large and extend off the edges, inviting readers who share Jeremy's sense of pride in their own growth to enter his world. There are many humorous touches: Jeremy's faithful cat can be seen wearing a space helmet, scuba diving gear, or riding in his horse's saddlebag. Observant readers will also notice faces on the cacti and desert animals, a horse in a space suit, and several funny messages. This childlike story will surely prompt discussions of growth and friendship and may even encourage budding authors to write about the changes they are experiencing.‘Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CT