Scarecrow Finds a Friend [Hardcover]

Rifken (Author), Blume (Author), Gail M. Kearns (Editor), Carl W. Wenzel (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2008 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

This heartening tale involves Tally, a good witch, who is losing her power to fly. She befriends a Scarecrow and he comes up with a plan to save her flying power. Together they are able to get back Tally's flying power, express their gratitude to each other, and give young readers a few surprises along the way. The story illustrates to children how comforting and rewarding a good friendship can be as well as how much fun it is to solve a problem with the help of someone who cares about them. A beautifully illustrated children's book for ages 4-8.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Whirlpool Press (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979694809
• ISBN-13: 978-0979694806
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,834,138 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seasons, Holidays and Friendship: An Excellent New Children's Book, August 4, 2008

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scarecrow Finds a Friend (Hardcover)

In our hurried world we too often forget the importance of the simple beauties such as the magic of the changes of seasons and the numerous holidays that create so many rich memories for children to carry into adulthood. Writer Blume J. Rifken and artist/illustrator Carl W. Wenzel have combined much of the joys of these neglected beauties in this charming and beautifully presented story about friendships, promises, and the magic of autumn's atmosphere on the traditions of Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Scarecrow, happy with November's respite from guarding crops, dreams of the past Halloween encounter with Tally, a terrific witch who granted his wish to go trick or treating. Tally returns to Scarecrow's November, losing her powers to fly because of her overindulgence in wish granting. Scarecrow, growing daily more fragile as his straw stuffing blows away with the autumn winds, promises Tally a solution to her wish to fly high again: November's Thanksgiving aromas suggest that the farmer's children will come to the fields after their dinner and rescue his dilapidated condition - at which time Scarecrow will assist Tally in finding the turkey's wishbone to regain her ability to fly. How this closure of friendship and promises occurs makes for a happy ending and a solid reminder of the joy of the autumn gifts of holidays and family and friends.

Though the book is rated for readers 4 - 8 years, this is a book that would be well to bring out each autumn for the whole family - from toddlers to old folks. The story is solid and the illustrations in exquisite watercolor renderings are stunning. This is definitely a fine book to keep in any home, but especially in homes that honor tradition and the majesty of the changes of seasons. Grady Harp, August 08

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect seasonal read!, August 4, 2008

By 

Breeni Books "www.breenibooks.com" (Rockwell, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Scarecrow Finds a Friend (Hardcover)

Children will delight in this seasonal picture book by Blume J. Rifken. Scarecrow Finds a Friend is an Autumn treasure that is destined to become a family tradition. It is a tale of friendship and teamwork, decorated with magical whimsy.

As Scarecrow rests in November after a long growing season, he remembers the witch he met on Halloween. Tally was the witch's name, and she granted his wish of being able to go trick-or-treating as a ghost. Scarecrow was able to have candy corn for the very first time!

Tally awakens Scarecrow from his daydreams, but she is not so cheerful anymore. Because she has been granting too many wishes for other people, she has lost her power to fly. Scarecrow wants to help his new friend very much, and he concocts a plan to get Tally's power back. The inspiring caper that ensues shows what it means to have a true friend and the difference one person can make for another.

Scarecrow Finds a Friend is heartwarming and fun to read. Children will relate easily to the characters. The moral theme is not so dominant that it overshadows every word. The pacing is perfect, with very few lulls that would potentially lose a young audience's attention. The intended age range of four to eight years is spot on. The book actually received applause from the resident six-year-old reviewer. This is one that we will read many times in the future, I'm sure.

Carl W. Wenzel's watercolor illustrations are gorgeous. His absorbing artwork completes the story and lands the book as a conversation piece the reader can proudly display. The colors are appropriate for the season, with rich orange, yellow, green and purple. The artwork alone has created a fan out of me, and I'll be looking for more from Wenzel in the future. I would love to have some prints for my home.

Scarecrow Finds a Friend will easily become a family favorite. As we head into the tail end of summer, it has been released just in time to herald in the Autumn and makes the perfect themed read. Share this with a young reader and immerse yourself in the season.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joyful picturebook, September 6, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scarecrow Finds a Friend (Hardcover)

A joyful picturebook written for children ages 4-8, Scarecrow Finds a Friend tells the story of a Tally, a good witch who has lost her power to fly. She makes friends with a Scarecrow, who devises a plan to help Tally get a Thanksgiving turkey wishbone - the key to making a wish for the return of her flying powers! Autumn-hued color illustrations enhance this warm-hearted holiday storybook, especially recommended for children's library holiday shelves.