From Publishers Weekly
This Newbery winner's second picture book, after Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors , again centers on her oldest grandchild. Here, the bespectacled Samuel muses on familiar items he considers worthwhile inventions. The genial child shares his views on the importance of mirrors, belt loops, Velcro, gloves, backpacks, training wheels, ladders, candles, boxes and Halloween. But to Samuel, the telephone and television are not particularly impressive inventions; rather, "They come with the house like mothers and windows and fathers and walls." Kids and adults alike will appreciate the humor--and the truth--in Samuel's astute observations, which are likely to open young eyes to numerous "great inventions" they've hitherto taken for granted. Konigsburg's affection for her perspicacious grandson shines through her boldly colored paintings, effectively juxtaposed with smaller drawings that simulate black-and-white photos. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- In this companion volume to Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors (Atheneum, 1990), a boy offers random observations and appreciation of everyday things, from the marvel of mirrors to the ups and downs of belt loops and the advantages of Velcro. On the surface, the concept and the language are straightforward, but are presented with a sophistication that may be a bit confusing to young readers accustomed to concrete plot lines. For the most part, the musings themselves reflect a genuinely childlike perspective and are brilliant flashes of clarity that will provide fresh insight into one's surroundings. A few, however, may be slightly abstruse for the average picture-book audience: ". . . I don't think the telephone and television are great inventions. They come with the house like mothers and windows and fathers and walls." Meticulously executed full-color paintings realistically depict Samuel Todd's perceptions, while overlays of black-and-white snapshot-style pencil sketches that feature a multicultural cast of children further illustrate his commentary. --Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, CA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
