Mike's Kite - Hardcover

When a strong wind captures Mike's kite, two gentlemen, three nannies, four equestrians, five fishermen, etc. grab the line together in an unsuccessful effort to reel it in. When the wind drops, so do all and sundry, who then proceed to have a party. Part of the text slants up along the kite's line, a device that does not interfere with legibility and that captures wonderfully a sense of swooping up and away. However, frequent changes of rhythm and rhyme impede a smooth reading of the story. The illustrations are done with short pen strokes and dabs of color for a sketchy effect that makes the more crowded scenes confusing. Furthermore, not only does the artist cast everyone flying into the air (whereas in the text they are being pulled along the ground), but he also whisks each group off the edge of the page to make room for the next. Most of the story's action takes place past and above the right margin. Readers are likely to feel left out. --John Peters, New York Pub . Lib .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.