Scarecrow (Paperback)

by Cynthia Rylant (Author), Lauren Stringer (Illustrator) "But a scarecrow's life is all his own..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
According to PW, "Newbery Medalist Rylant lyrically imagines the scarecrow as a grateful `witness to life,' while the acrylic paintings evoke a warm, even nostalgic sense of plenty." Ages 6-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2?More meditation than story, this picture book examines what one might call the essence of the scarecrow. It's an appreciation of silence, of patience, and of the beauty and changeable quality of the natural world. Rylant uses casual, conversational language with simple elegance and pleasing rhythms: "His hat is borrowed, his suit is borrowed, his hands are borrowed, even his head is borrowed. And his eyes probably came out of someone's drawer." An occasional tendency toward vagueness is evident as well; e.g., "It takes a certain peace, hanging around a garden" is followed some pages later by, "There is a certain wonder going on around him." Stringer's acrylic paintings are magnificent, with color and light as beautiful as those found in the type of bucolic world depicted here. The scarecrow is seen from above, behind, below, and every which way. These dynamic perspectives make an interesting contrast to his unwavering, peaceful expression. Overall, this is a lovely, gentle book that may appeal more to sentimental adults than to children.?Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152024808
• ISBN-13: 978-0152024802
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,703 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #62 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( R ) > Rylant, Cynthia
  #93 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Where We Live > Farm Life > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children love it, December 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Scarecrow (Hardcover)

From an adult viewpoint, I thought the book was "very nice", but my child fell in love with this book. I am rating it as he would rate it. After all, the book is intended for children. He came home from school one day to describe a wonderful story that their teacher had read to them. He said it was so special because the words were soft and pleasing. This is a first! He also loved the pictures. So,I couldn't resist getting him a copy for Christmas.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scarecrow, March 13, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Scarecrow (Hardcover)

Title: Scarecrow
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Favorite Characters: scarecrow, birds

This story tells about a scarecrows life from a scarecrow's point of view. It begins with the scarecrow being made in the spring and the garden is being planted. The birds love to hang around on his arms and talk all day. He goes through summer, fall, and all he knows is that plants are growing up all around him.
This book shows how a scarecrow's life is peaceful and relaxing. It also shows the seasons and what happens during those seasons. It's not ever day you get to read about a scarecrow and it's life, so I recommend you read this book.

bg

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully illustrated book!, October 22, 1999

By	S.P. Alvares (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scarecrow (Hardcover)

Although I usually love Ms. Ryland's work (this is the 5th book by the author I have) and the illustrations are warm, colorful, and inspiring, I felt the story to be not very easy for children to understand and not as particularly uplifting as some of her other works. I was a little disappointed but will continue to read it to my children as they age and see if they catch on.