From Publishers Weekly
"Be careful what you wish for" is the lesson that resounds (a bit too loudly) throughout this offbeat fairy tale set in Tollivers' Hollow, "said to be a peculiar place, even a perilous place." Farm girl Louise calls her brother a pig at the exact moment she wishes upon a star. The next thing she knows, brother Willie is gone; soon after, a big white pig with "sky blue" eyes like Willie's mysteriously appears. Holding herself responsible for the unfortunate transformation, Louise determines to set things right. But how? Offering a supporting cast of comical characters, a dash of philosophy and generous dose of surprises, the energetic story calls to mind Sid Hite's farm-family fantasies. But while it shares Hite's spirited folksiness and quirkiness, it lacks Hite's internal logic and consistent tone; Hearne's (Listening for Leroy) occasional attempts at seriousness are too pointed and her characters' inspirations somewhat arbitrary. Some motifs don't cohere for example, there are hints that the Tollivers are descendants of Jack of Beanstalk fame, but not enough to make the connection meaningful. Those expecting an all's-well end to a playful romp instead receive a confusing message about desire, fate and nature, plus a parting image of a child making funeral plans for a beloved animal. Like Louise and her wish, this story is a strange mix of potent language and disjointed events. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-Louise Tolliver loves Tolliver's Hollow, the "peculiar" place where she lives with her mother and brother. She just wishes that her father hadn't disappeared seven years ago, and that her brother didn't tease her so much. Still, when she calls Willie a pig as the evening star appears, she never meant for him to become one. Then certain folks become a little too interested in the new pig, whom they think would be perfect to serve at the town's picnic, and the sheriff and his brother both want to court her mother. When Louise's first attempt at rectifying the wish gone awry only causes more problems, she has to think very carefully about how to put things right. Hearne has written a delightful novel about the dangers of getting what you wish for. Louise is an engaging girl who is determined to bring order to her disorderly world. This is not an easy thing to do, but she accomplishes it through ingenuity, perfect timing, and a heap of luck. The colloquialisms used to describe farm life accentuate the rural charm of the plot. Children will enjoy this enchanting story as much as the parents with whom they will want to share it.-Betsy Fraser, Calgary Public Library, Canada
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
