Cosmo has lived on the island of Sonamba all of his life. As its self-appointed guardian, each day he patches the wall that surrounds it. He does this while reciting the following instructions: “Hammer in a stick from the billabom bush, then smear it with the tar from the ticamo tree.” He does this to prevent a fate so terrible that it can not be thought about. He does it successfully until the day the townspeople decide to honor him, then disaster strikes.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4–This tale starts out on a promising note but ultimately disappoints. Cosmo's job is to ensure that the wall surrounding his island country remains intact, since this particular island is so much lower than the sea. He can only do his job by repeating the words that tell him how: Hammer in a stick from the Billabom Bush, Then smear it with the tar from the Ticamo Tree. But when a genius observes him, he convinces the mayor to throw a celebration in Cosmo's honor. Cosmo just wants to work, but when he doesn't show up for his own party, the Mayor sends the Chief of Police to get him. When he continues mending holes instead of participating, he is thrown in jail. Of course, by the time Cosmo is released and tries to fix the leaks, the situation is beyond hope–and he is blamed. With the island flooded, a disgusted Cosmo finds another island and settles down with a nice woman, refusing for a long time even to speak of past events. When the mayor's son sends a note saying that Cosmo should have been left alone to do his job, he is comforted to some extent. Although written with a light and humorous touch, and supported by amusing, brightly colored illustrations, this is essentially a silly tale that has a lot to say, has a lot of action, but never makes its point clear.–Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
Kids will love Cosmo! This modern fairy tale is not only witty, but its magic is good old common sense. --Jean Craighead George, a Newbery Award winner and author of more than 80 children's books
...this charming story about purpose, priorities, and ounces of sticks-and tar prevention. --Anna Jane Hays, a former director of The Children's Television Network
...this charming story about purpose, priorities, and ounces of sticks-and tar prevention. --Anna Jane Hays, a former director of The Children's Television Network
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