Bud [Hardcover]

Kevin O'Malley (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

The orderly Sweet-Williams are dismayed at their son's fondness for the messy pastime of gardening.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Boy-rhino Bud Sweet-William really digs dirt. This aptly named young gardener precociously prunes the plastic ficus tree and saves scraps from the dinner table for his compost pile. His mother and father favor spotless suits and "clip, spray, and mow the lawn in perfectly straight lines." They look askance at their disorderly son, and worry that Bud's persnickety grandfather will disapprove of such an untidy hobby. Their fears come to naught, however. Grandfather Sweet-William confides to his grandson, "Your grandmother used to grow roses just like this." With this offhand comment, O'Malley (Leo Cockroach... Toy Tester) subtly implies that Bud's roots are the source of his habit. The author pictures Bud as an agreeable fellow who quietly defies his neat-freak elders and brings the family closer. Yet the book itself, which balances straight lines of earthy-brown typeface and neatly squared-off voice bubbles, maintains its reserve even when the Sweet-Williams lose their inhibitions. A uplifting trot down the garden path. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Mr. and Mrs. Sweet-William are a gentle and accommodating rhinoceros couple. Their daily routine is ruled by neatness and order and conversation is sprinkled with maxims such as "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Young Bud has his own ideas. Despite his parents' encouragement in other directions, he pursues his passion for nature-dirt, bugs, and plants-and his backyard garden thrives in charming disorder. When his meticulous grandfather comes for a visit, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet-William are worried that he will judge Bud harshly so they cover the windows and keep the man inside. After a huge storm "messes up" Bud's garden, the Sweet-Williams are surprised to find grandfather and grandson mucking about to restore Bud's idea of order to it. The pictures are large and clear with many double-page spreads in an array of colors and hues. A rhinoceros in a suit is very funny, and these characters are remarkably expressive. This is a sweet yet humorous story about love, tolerance, and patience.
Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company (May 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802787185
• ISBN-13: 978-0802787187
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #848,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Gardening

More About the Author

Illustrator Kevin O'Malley has written and illustrated a number of books, including "Little Buggy Runs Away" and the Miss Malarkey books by Judy Finchler. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars gardening fun, January 16, 2001

By 

susan carnes (Houston, Tx USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bud (Library Binding)

The very proper rhino family, the Sweet-Williams, have a son, Bud, who is very unlike them. He loves dirt and gardening. From an early age Bud is excited about growing things. He is very different from the others and when the staid grandfather visits, unexpected events occur. Colorful, fun illustrations and text. Addresses the issue of being different.