Owen

September 13, 1993
A worthy addition to Henkes's ( Chester's Way ; Julius, the Baby of the World ) impressive, engaging oeuvre, this animated tale takes up the case of a wee mouse's devotion to a no-longer-fuzzy blanket named Fuzzy. Imbued with Henkes's characteristically understated humor, spry text and brightly hued watercolor-and-ink pictures chronicle how Owen's next-door neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, suggests to Owen's parents a series of ploys to separate their son--who is soon to start school--from Fuzzy. The ingenious mouse foils each attempt, until his resourceful mother stumbles upon ``an absolutely wonderful, positively perfect, especially terrific idea.'' With some snipping and sewing, she transforms the beloved blanket into a batch of very portable handkerchiefs, a stratagem that not only keeps Owen happy but manages to silence the meddling Mrs. Tweezers. Even youngsters unattached to a Fuzzy-like object will feel a kinship with the winningly wily Owen--and parents of the attached may find a useful solution to an age-old dilemma. Ages 3-up.

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with IRENE, LA VALIENTE (BRAVE IRENE) and SE VENDEN GORRAS (CAPS FOR SALE).]--These Spanish translations of well-loved children's books come complete with superbly produced audio counterparts. All the stories offer appropriate background music with animated, ear-catching narrators, who will add to any child's listening and reading pleasure, in addition to providing excellent language instruction for younger learners. In IRENE, LA VALIENTE (BRAVE IRENE) a raging snowstorm offers many challenges to young Irene as she seeks to deliver a ball gown that her mother has just finished for the duchess. Susan Rybin offers this translation with zest, clarity, and a light-hearted, child-like quality. Her diction is precise and moderately paced so that the Spanish learner or native speaker can follow with ease. Music and sound effects punctuate this charming performance. In SE VENDEN GORRAS (CAPS FOR SALE) an itinerant cap vendor wakes up from a nap to find his pile of caps has disappeared from his head onto the heads of numerous monkeys chattering from the tree above. This Reading Rainbow classic features music throughout, with an enthusiastic performance by Angel Pineda. His pacing and attention to detail are impeccable, including a superb rendition of an echoing voice moving down a hillside as the cap seller continues on his way. The story of OWEN asks how Owen's parents will help him relinquish his beloved blanket and silence Mrs. Tweezers's constant chiding. This delightful tale unfolds with playful background music and sound effects that underscore perfectly the many distinct voices created by narrator Blanca Camacho. Her tone of voice is especially well suited to the very young listener/reader. Each Live Oak Media and Weston Woods Studio production includes a cassette with the entire story on each side. Side One comes with instructions and page-turning signals; Side Two has no signals. The Weston Woods cassettes are accompanied by durable hardback books while the Live Oak's package includes high-quality paperbacks. Children, parents, and teachers alike will treasure these enchanting read-alongs. J.J.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine