Grade 2-4-The narrator reminisces about a spring day in his youth spent fishing with his older brother. Tired of waiting for a bite, the younger boy moves up the creek where he catches sight of a neighboring farmer who is also known to loan money. As he watches, the large man loses his balance and falls into the raging water, hitting his head on a rock. With supreme effort, the two boys are able to save the man's life. Knowing that his father owes Mr. Richard a large sum of money, the younger boy goes to his farm a week later, intending to ask him to forgive the debt. Instead, he again demonstrates his neighborliness by helping the farmer to move some large rocks from his field, earning praise and friendship for his effort. Boldly stroked, full-page oil or acrylic paintings in shades of gray, brown, blue, and green clearly portray the large size and brute strength of Mr. Richard, which are further enhanced by Zhang's use of perspective and close-up. This short, quiet, well-told tale showcases parental love and respect for one's elders while offering a glimpse of a way of life that has almost ceased to exist.
Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
The Canadian wilderness is a strong part of this story about outsiders. The young narrator and his brother save the life of their bearish neighbor Mr. Richard, a man kept at a distance by the townspeople because of his French heritage. But differences and prejudices aren't overcome until the boy and his father help Mr. Richard with the arduous task of hauling stones on a stoneboat (a kind of sledge). The door to friendship is then opened--through shared hard work and a life saved. Painted with bold, immediate swatches of vibrant color, Zhang's illustrations exude vitality, with Mr. Richard becoming a larger-than-life embodiment of the Canadian frontier. Although a bit on the long side for the picture-book format, the story is a sure-handed portrait of the importance of strength, perseverance, and selfless giving. Tim Arnold
See all Editorial Reviews
