Seized with doubts about the value of the small buildings he constructs out of twigs, Tenrec goes from one jungle animal to the next asking for opinions.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Tenrec is a small creature, "resembling something between a shrew and a hedgehog" who wakes up one morning knowing that it is a great day for building. So he happily assembles some twigs, until a grumpy warthog mutters, "Useless! A Waste of Time!" and ruins Tenrec's mood. Tenrec needs a second, and then a third opinion about whether he is wasting his time, and the answers he obtains run the philosophical gamut: the parrot relies on word-of-mouth for his opinion, the giraffe has his head in the clouds and can't be bothered to respond, the pangolin is wrapped up in himself and just can't say, the two-toed sloth falls asleep before he can answer and the stork is so overcome by his own importance he can't speak. Finally the owl gives Tenrec's creative act a favorable review and the little fellow can go back to his task. Kitchen's animals, as in his Animal Alphabet , are sharp and defined on the page; he plants each of the central and southern African inhabitants against a pristine white background, and depicts their gestures with personality and charm. The story moves well, although adults may be troubled by Tenrec's need for the approval of others. But for those who can get past the preachier aspect of Tenrec's dilemma, Kitchen provides an unusual tale with many humorous flourishes. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- The great pleasure Tenrec receives from constructing twig buildings is diminished when grumpy Old Warthog, in a particularly miserable mood, tells him it is a useless waste of time. "Ask any of the other animals," Warthog insists and, indeed, the seven creatures Tenrec consults offer no solace. Grey Parrot merely repeats the warthog's words, while Giant Anteater refuses to poke his long nose into other creatures' business; Two-Toed Sloth falls asleep before finishing his sentence. It is only Milky Eagle Owl who finds Tenrec's twig creations interesting enough to inspire others, and his reassurances allow Tenrec to continue building. Children will find the structure of the plot familiarly comfortable, but the real power in this brief story stems from Kitchen's spare and elegant watercolors of animals, in which each hair and feather is realistically captured on the page. Brief notes about the natural history of each animal that appears, most of which are native to central and southern Africa, conclude the book. --Ellen Fader, Westport Pub . Lib . , CT
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I used to love this book,
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This review is from: Tenrec's Twigs (Faith & Fame S.) (Hardcover)
As a 25 year old, I still look back on this book fondly. A great read for any curious toddler!
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautiful and thoughtful,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Tenrec's Twigs (Faith & Fame S.) (Hardcover)
We read this book to all three of our children- over and over. Tenrec's structures are beautiful and his tenacity is admirable. Kitchen's drawings are just gorgeous. A favorite along with Steig's Amos and Boris.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too complicated for the tots.,
This review is from: Tenrecs Twigs (Hardcover)
The promotional intro was very appealing..much more than the actual product..
Darling drawings..but I believe the targeted age group will not grasp the lessons..the " if it feels good ..do it "or "or its important to love the work you do". Also .. the book wont last for many stories.. loose binding. I was disappointed.
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