AUTHORS DAY (Aladdin Picture Books) - Softcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Famous author Bramwell Wink-Porter is having a rough day. When he visits Melvinville Elementary, the children greet him as the author of "The Fuzzy Bunny," which he did not write. Nevertheless, he bravely eats pancakes with crayon chunks, wears fuzzy bunny ears, and narrowly avoids being tied up by sixth graders. The librarian faints from the excitement of the visit, and Wink-Porter answers some tough questions from students, the most important one being, " 'Do you think you might ever write a book about us?' " Pinkwater's quirky sense of humor is in full swing here, and his wry cartoon illustrations accentuate the day's misadventures. Older children (and their teachers) will appreciate this comedy of errors as much as younger kids. Most libraries will welcome this selection, and schools where author visits are common will find it a useful preamble to the inevitable pitfalls of a perfectly planned day. --Lori A. Janick, Parkwood Elementary School, Pasadena, TX
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The banner that erroneously heralds visiting celebrity Bramwell Wink-Porter as author of The Fuzzy Bunny typifies the mishaps at Melvinville Elementary School, the setting for Pinkwater's latest droll excursion. (The principal entreats her guest to talk about the misascribed title anyway, since all the children have read it.) Wink-Porter dutifully answers students' questions ("What is the greatest number of hot dogs you have eaten at one sitting?"), downs the eponymous hare's favorite sandwich--bologna and shredded carrots with extra mayonnaise--and agrees to a return visit so the sixth-graders can finish tying him up. While children may enjoy some of Pinkwater's humor, the farcical asides and non sequiturs here possess a generally adult sensibility. Also, the narrative seems overlong for the picture-book format, and the plot too sophisticated and specific to engage this age group. The illustrations do little to advance the action in this disappointing effort. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.