Sophies Tom - Softcover

Dick King-Smith (1922-2011) is one of the world's favourite children's book authors. He won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for The Sheep-Pig (later filmed as Babe), he was named Children's Book Author of the Year in 1991 and won the 1995 Children's Book Award for Harriet's Hare. In addition to the Sophie series, his titles for Walker include The Finger-Eater, Aristotle, The Twin Giants and two books about a very special pig: Lady Lollipop and Clever Lollipop. Hannah studied illustration at the University of Brighton and graduated in 2004. She has since created a number of critically acclaimed award-winning children's books, including Evil Weasel, which won the Cambridgeshire Children's Picture Book Award. Her recent Stan Stinky series is the first of her own creations for older children. She also illustrated the popular Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards and The Great Hamster Massacre series by Katie Davies as well as The Fabulous Phartlehorn Affair by ML Peel. Hannah currently lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Visit her website at www.hannahshawillustrator.co.uk

Kindergarten-Grade 1-- The strong-willed, five-year-old, first introduced in Sophie's Snail (Delacorte, 1989), now faces her first year at school. Still intent on being a farmer, she continues her insect herds, but also decides she'd like to have a pet. She befriends a stray cat, whom she she calls her Tom, and manages to move him into the house despite her father's protests. King-Smith does know his cats, and Tom will also move right into many readers' hearts. The author also knows just how cats communicate, which makes Tom very easy to understand. Unfortunately, the book isn't always easy to understand due to the use of a few awkward Briticisms. Fortunately, the format is a real improvement over the first book. The print size has been greatly enlarged. Parkins has done bold ink sketches that are dramatic, lively, and striking through the use of contrast. They really show the characters' personalities. And personality is one thing Sophie is not lacking. She's a tough little girl who doesn't believe in tears. The likable heroine may remind readers of Ramona at times, but King-Smith's onlooker's point of view and tongue-in-cheek tone are not as appealing as Cleary's light, sure finger on the pulse of childhood. Since the main character is so young, the book may serve as an entertaining read-aloud rather than a selection for newly independent readers. Pleasant, though nonessential, fare. --Susannah Price, Boise Public Li brary, ID
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