Moss's (The Butterfly Jar) nimble rhymed verse recounts the life and times of a bird named Hieronymus White, whose parents relocated before his birth to escape a society where only conformity is tolerated. His parents expect the very best of him, ostensibly for his own good: "If it's you who flies highest, then no one can reach you/ To hurt you or tease you or tell you you're wrong,/ To make you feel sad and not let you belong." The boy learns this lesson all too well: he becomes famous for his peerless flying ability, but he is also a world-class know-it-all. And when Hieronymus marries and has twins, he urges them to be "better than best." He tells them exactly what to do, yet is never quite satisfied: "But though each of his children was quite a good flier,/ Hieronymus wanted still better and higher." Finally, in old age, Hieronymus changes his self-righteous tune when he learns a key lesson from a loving, talented granddaughter whose imperfect wing prevents her from flying. Accompanied by Demarest's playful line drawings, Moss's allegorical tale imparts several valuable messages-some of them may fly over small children's heads; indeed, most of the lessons here are aimed at parents. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In Dr. Seuss-style verse, illustrated with far simpler black-and-white sketches, Moss has composed a moral tale for all ages, which means adults will read this with the most enjoyment, then try zealously to share their glee and the message with their children. "This is the story of Hieronymus White, / A bird who believed that he always was right / . . . Till one day, late in life, when his feathers were thinning . . ." As a youngster, White is taught by his parents: "If it's you who flies highest, then no one can reach you / To hurt you or tease you or tell you you're wrong, / To make you feel sad and not let you belong." So he soars to perfection, missing many of life's important moments, including the growing-up of his own children. But, with the appearance of his less-than-perfect granddaughter, ". . . something changed [for the better] inside Hieronymous White." An appealing, modern-day fable, cleverly composed. Denise Perry Donavin
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