In Enzo's Splendid Garden [Hardcover]

Patricia Polacco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 1997 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

A series of hysterically chaotic events begin when a bee stops on a tree in Enzo's Italian restaurant, causing the boy who looks at it to drop his book and inadvertently trip a passing waiter who is carrying spaghetti.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. It all starts so innocently?a young boy drops his book while observing a bee in a lovely outdoor restaurant, "Enzo's." From there, this cumulative tale takes off on a hilarious roller-coaster ride of mishaps. The rhyming text gains momentum as a waiter trips over the book, tips his tray, and spills a very large drink on a matron dressed in pink. Suddenly, the guests are falling all over each other like a line of elegantly dressed dominoes. Adding to the child appeal are some wonderful food accidents, including a pot of spaghetti that lands on Enzo's cat. As the guests start to see the humor in all this chaos, the cat heads for the top of the nearest tree, bringing the fire department into the scene. In the end, the jovial mood of the crowd assures the boy, and readers, that all is forgiven. Half the enjoyment of this story comes from studying the diners in Enzo's garden, all of whom are lovingly portrayed. One of the many humorous touches is a terra-cotta fountain nymph who leaves her post to join the crowd. The art is exuberant, the colors bathed in California sunshine. This story does not have the emotional impact readers have come to expect from Polacco's more serious stories, but it has something equally appealing?a tremendous sense of fun.?Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 6^-9. As she has so many times before, Polacco has drawn on her inspiration for an appealing picture book from a family story; this time, it's what might have happened at her bearded husband Enzo's Italian garden restaurant. The rhyming text begins: "This is the bee that stopped on a tree in Enzo's splendid gardens." A riotous chain of events is set into motion, including broken dishes, smashed deserts, and a cat tangled in spaghetti--all in Enzo's fancy outdoor eatery. The verse can be a bit forced, but it is always energetic. As usual, Polacco's distinctive artwork is wonderful. Her realistic portraits of a lively cast of characters are richly colored, expressively individualized, and humorously captured. Strong rhythms and ebullient action make this one to consider for reading aloud. Julie Corsaro

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; 1ST edition (April 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399231072
• ISBN-13: 978-0399231070
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #209,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Enzo's Splendid Gardens, July 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: In Enzo's Splendid Garden (Hardcover)

I loved this book! As I was sitting in a children's library reviewing picture books, I tried to keep myself from bursting out in laughter as I read In Enzo's Splendid Gardens. This book is so fun and creative, and filled with a humorous, rhythmic storyline. The pictures are excellent as well, perfectly matching each hilarious episode. This book is a must read for young and old alike!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Page Turner!, March 24, 2000

By 

Donna Peterson (Van Nuys, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Enzo's Splendid Garden (Hardcover)

Enzo's Splendid Garden was a hillarious book. I think I enjoyed it as much as my daughter. We laughed and couldn't wait to see the next event come to the page. I recommend for the person who's had a bad day or just wants to keep the good day coming.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Polacco is superb, as always, May 14, 2002

By 

Catherine S. Vodrey (East Liverpool, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Enzo's Splendid Garden (Hardcover)

In Polacco's rollicking, urban version of "The House That Jack Built," the story begins innocuously enough with a tiny bee landing on a tree near an outdoor cafe. A little boy leans over to examines the bee and eventually--of course!--all hell breaks loose, spiraling out of control from this original, innocent action.

Kids will love the rhyming, rhythmic pace of the book, and adults will appreciate the tiny, out-of-the-way details such as the fountain cherub eventually coming down out of her stiff stance at the center of spraying water and helping everyone else at the restaurant gawk at what's going on--not to mention the fact that the original offending bee appears throughout in every single picture.

Polacco has--no surprise here--done it again!