Piper Reed, Campfire Girl

December 1, 2010

Gr 3-6-These hefty, oversize editions of childhood classics include congenial paintings executed by Foreman in previous decades. The artwork is pleasant, but not really dominant here. Though inflated in size, the books employ a traditional layout of illustrated novels with thoughtful, sparing placement of pictures and uninterrupted flow of the original texts. Gentle, often humorous interpretations of characters and events appear in one full-page scene in most chapters; occasional small views and set pieces open and conclude chapters. With paintings that beautifully complement the enduring stories, these might be welcome new editions. Not visually lavish by today's standards, but still showy, they will serve as gift items or for reading aloud in some situations. Libraries with a particular interest in Foreman's work will definitely want them.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2011
Grades 3-5 Piper is annoyed by motormouthed Stanley, the new kid in her fifth-grade class and, worse, in her club for navy brats. But when hapless Stanley accidentally overturns his rowboat on a weekend camping trip, Piper surprises herself by silently vowing to make him shine in some way. The fourth volume in the rewarding Piper Reed series, this chapter book takes the familiar characters outside their usual settings of home, school, and neighborhood. The fresh, inviting look of Daveniers drawings works well with Holts amusing and perceptive first-person narrative. A realistic family story with a satisfying conclusion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)