The Weeping Willow: An Ike and Mem Story [Hardcover]

Patrick Jennings (Author), Anna Alter (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Ike and Mem Story

When Ike and his little sister Mem spend the weekend at their grandparents' farm, they resent all the work they must do, until they realize that there is more to their visit than just doing chores.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-This third book in the series will appeal to readers who are almost ready for full chapter books. Ike and his friend Buzzy want to build a tree house in a willow in an open field but can't seem to agree on any aspect of the project, so they go home angry with one another. Ike then decides to use the supplies to make a playhouse for his younger sister, Mem, without asking Buzzy. Ultimately, he apologizes, and the boys resume their friendship. Alter's drawings, especially of the weeping willow tree, look amateurish; they have a quiet, flat quality that does not reflect the tension in the narrative. Still, Jennings's simple yet realistic story presents situations easily understood by the intended audience, and the characters' dialogue and hurt feelings are adeptly expressed.
JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. The weeping willow seems the perfect place for a tree house, and Ike and best friend, Buzzy, decide to build one, just for guys. However, all they do is argue, and soon they aren't playing together, let alone speaking. Frustrated and upset, Ike uses the tree-house materials to build little sister Mem a playhouse. But it's not the same without Buzzy, and Ike wonders how to make things right again. This third Ike and Mem story is a realistic, accessible tale of friendship and sibling dynamics. The book is divided into brief sections, not formally identified as chapters; sentences are short, and the vocabulary is simple and descriptive. There are also touches of humor throughout the story as well as a scattering of pen-and-ink art showing the three kids and their activities in the outdoor setting. A well-written, perceptive story with likable characters, this is also about the value of compromise and the rewards of making amends. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823416712
• ISBN-13: 978-0823416714
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,270,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As a kid Patrick Jennings was afraid of African black mambas and tigers. He grew up in Northwestern Indiana.

He got his first pair of glasses when he was eight, and always wished he had a nickname like his friend, Mike. Mike was called "Tiger" by everyone, even the teachers. Wow.

Patrick Jennings may be called "Tiger," if you wish, or "Tigersnack." Both names are hidden inside his name. (As is "Rat" and "Ratpick," but he's not as fond of those and discourages their use. "Jetpack" is fine.)

Before he became a professional writer, in 1995, Tigersnack was a paperboy, a busboy, a fry cook, a hoddy, a record store clerk, a courier, a teacher, and a librarian. He has since published sixteen books for young readers. Can you find them somewhere on this site?

Jetpack's books have featured such creatures as electric dogs, rocket cats, grebes, coots, kangaroo rats, werewolves, scorpions, horses grown from seed, teenagers, gopher snakes, guinea dogs, and a lucky (or perhaps unlucky) sixth grader. Stinking Carp (he doesn't like this one) is currently working on books about a bat, a rat, alien dognappers, an owl in a suit, and, naturally, a tiger.