Cappy the Lonely Camel [Library Binding]

Donald Rubinetti (Author), Liisa Chauncy Guida (Illustrator)

Book Description

Cappy is different because he has two humps, so the rest of the camels laugh at him and tease him, but when Cappy is the only one who can come to the rescue to save the life of one of their children, things quickly change as the others realize that they were wrong.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Offering a lackluster variation on a well-worn theme, Rubinetti's tale is obvious from the start. Orphaned Cappy, shorter and hairier than all the other camels in his Southwest Asian village, has yet another cross to bear: unlike his peers, he has two humps. No other camel will play with him or talk to him save to taunt, making him one lonely camel. When the others refuse to listen to his explanation that many two-humped camels live in the north, where he was born, Cappy resigns himself to his solitary state. The scenario becomes all the more dismal when his only relative dies, leaving him totally alone. But then the baby of his principal tormentor, Nastella, becomes ill and Cappy is the only animal that can endure the bitter cold and survive the trip north to fetch the doctor, whom he then transports, nestled between his humps. Cappy saves the day in an ending that will surprise not even the youngest listener. Tears flow from all camel eyes as Nastella makes nice, as do the other animals, begging forgiveness and pledging friendship. Guida's art, while rendered in pleasing desert-sunrise colors, lacks the variety and imaginative vision that might have energized this tale. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-Cappy, an orphan, is not like the other camels in his village. He's short and hairy, and has two humps instead of one. Not surprisingly, he is excluded and teased, especially by Nastella, who nicknames him Roller Coaster. But when Nastella's baby falls ill, Cappy is the only one who can help. Nastella has a change of heart, and Cappy now has more friends than he can count. The story uses familiar themes and patterns, but is a bit arduous and long-winded. Facts about Bactrian camels and dromedaries are incorporated naturally into the text, and a final page gives supplemental details about the two. Guida's camels are alive with personality. They are simply drawn, yet full of expression, with curved bodies and big smiles. Colorful borders surround each scene. Except when he is alone, Cappy remains on the outside of these borders until he is accepted. In all, the sunny illustrations add interest to an otherwise melodramatic text.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Silver Burdett Pr (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0382391519
• ISBN-13: 978-0382391514
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,580,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.