Jane James

Very clever!, 28. Juli 2000

My son saw this one on Reading Rainbow and he was so fascinated by the pictures that we went right out and bought it. It is very cleverly done, and all my kids really like this one.

Basically, every picture tells TWO stories. You read the book through, then turn it over and read it upside down. A bridge with water running under it and cars driving over it become, when upside down, a fence with electric poles and wires running alongside and stars in the sky above! It's really a wonderful little book.

Only 4 stars because the story isn't interesting enough to read twice, although the pictures are great fun to look at over and over again.

Disappointed, 24. Juli 2000

I read another of LaVyrle Spencer's books before, and really loved it (Twice Loved), so I started this one with high expectations.

The writing was fluid, the characters were interesting, but I just couldn't get past the idea that the heroine stole the hero away from another woman (whom he had been seeing for 8 years -- and was happy with until the millionaire superstar heroine came onto the scene.)

The hero didn't enter his new relationship cleanly, either. There were a few instances of kissing (one while rolling on the grass) while his girlfriend was kept in the dark.

I don't know about other readers, but I can't admire a hero who cheats on his girlfriend, or a heroine who… Mehr dazu

charming story, beautiful illustrations, 13. Juli 2000

This is one of my all-time favorite children's stories.

We read that "King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out!" The lively characters, anxious to get their King out of the bathtub, but definitely not wanting to offend his royal sensibilities, subject themselves to the King's demands to fish with him -- in the tub. Dress up for a masquerade -- in the tub. Dine with him -- in the tub.

The lyrics are cute, but the best part of this story is, without a doubt, the beautiful illustrations.

This one is a keeper.