Bonesy and Isabel - Hardcover

www.fidosopher.com

Grade 2-4?A story in which a child learns that communication goes infinitely beyond the spoken word, and in which a loss cements a loving relationship between three special people. When Ivan and Vera adopt a young girl from El Salvador, Isabel joins the already teeming household of at least 35 "countable" creatures including horses, ducks, cats, and dogs. Of all the animals, it is the "inside" dog, elderly Bonesy, that becomes the girl's true compa?ero. As she sounds out strange new words, he offers her unspoken encouragement, thumping his tail whether she addresses him in English or Spanish. One evening during a dinner party, Isabel realizes that something is wrong with Bonesy; she slips under the table and tries to wake him, without success. Eventually, Vera and Ivan join her on the floor, and tears are the language that they share. Ransome's art glows with sun-drenched colors that reflect the warmth of this household. Rosen's language is rich with description as he takes ample time to set the scene. While the book's appeal may be a bit more narrow than Elijah's Angel (Harcourt, 1992) and some of Rosen's other collaborations, there is the shared emphasis that true friendship transcends all barriers.?Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.