From Publishers Weekly
As spunky and stubborn as ever, animal-lover Sophie makes a comeback in this sequel to Sophie's Snail. Still planning to become a lady farmer, the pint-size heroine continues to raise livestock (slugs, wood lice, earwigs, etc.) in the potting shed. Shortly after her fifth birthday, she adopts her first four-legged pet--Tom, a stray black cat--despite protests from her feline-hating father. This and other memorable events--starting school, forming a brief friendship with classmate Duncan, getting even with her number-one enemy, Dawn--are humorously accented by Parkins's winsome drawings. With remarkable clarity, King-Smith ( Babe: The Gallant Pig ; Mar tin's Mice ) expresses the concerns of a highly imaginative child who emerges as the British equivalent of Ramona Quimby. While Sophie's spirit is sure to win readers' admiration, her lively antics and unique perspective will keep laughs coming. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 1-- The strong-willed, five-year-old, first introduced in Sophie's Snail (Delacorte, 1989), now faces her first year at school. Still intent on being a farmer, she continues her insect herds, but also decides she'd like to have a pet. She befriends a stray cat, whom she she calls her Tom, and manages to move him into the house despite her father's protests. King-Smith does know his cats, and Tom will also move right into many readers' hearts. The author also knows just how cats communicate, which makes Tom very easy to understand. Unfortunately, the book isn't always easy to understand due to the use of a few awkward Briticisms. Fortunately, the format is a real improvement over the first book. The print size has been greatly enlarged. Parkins has done bold ink sketches that are dramatic, lively, and striking through the use of contrast. They really show the characters' personalities. And personality is one thing Sophie is not lacking. She's a tough little girl who doesn't believe in tears. The likable heroine may remind readers of Ramona at times, but King-Smith's onlooker's point of view and tongue-in-cheek tone are not as appealing as Cleary's light, sure finger on the pulse of childhood. Since the main character is so young, the book may serve as an entertaining read-aloud rather than a selection for newly independent readers. Pleasant, though nonessential, fare. --Susannah Price, Boise Public Li brary, ID
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
