From Publishers Weekly
Jackson and his scheming friend Goat, heroes of Cracker Jackson , Byars's compassionate and thoughtfully rendered novel about physical abuse, return in this lighthearted adventure. The boys attempt to outwit each other with a series of treasure hunts, and meet with mishaps at every turn. When a list of clues leads Jackson to a chocolate popsicle in Goat's freezer, he mistakenly claims the treat as his treasure, unaware that it belongs to Goat's sister Rachel--"the ogre." Rachel extracts her revenge by intercepting and rehiding Jackson's prize for Goat, sending the pair on a frenzied, "clueless" search that ends where it began. The thin plot doesn't deliver the seven adventures promised by the title, and readers may find the resolution somewhat uninspired. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-- An answer to the ever-growing need for short, funny, chapter books, this should be a popular selection for transitional readers. Jackson and his best friend, Goat, are trying to outwit each other by providing clues for a treasure hunt game. The "treasures" are just what would appeal to eight- or nine-year-olds: a Superman comic, a Matchbox car with one wheel missing, a "fake" ice cube for fooling your friends, and of course, some goodies like M & Ms and chocolate popsicles. The boys' ingenuity in making up clues should suggest similar creative play to readers. Although the focus of the brief chapters is on the friendship between the two boys, children do learn a bit about their family lives. Barrett's spare, cartoonlike line drawings are in keeping with the light, undemanding style of the prose. Fans of Jenny Archer, the kids at Polk St. School, the Pee Wee Scouts, and the Small Potatoes will welcome Jackson and Goat, and are likely to request more stories about them. --Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
