The Beaver Boys - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- The Beaver family, dressed like any ordinary human family, must move to ensure that there will be trees to gnaw within a reasonable distance. And the change brings some surprises: little brother Woody finds sticks to add to their new house, not realizing he's destroying someone else's; big brother Chopper meets pretty Mabel, forgetting he dislikes girls; and Mama's first company dinner is almost destroyed by a rowdy game of Wonder Beaver. Despite the cozy, reassuring messages that are implicit in the solutions to all these problems, the boys fail on other fronts. Anthropomorphism is inconsistent--the family constructs a beaver dam, but dresses, speaks (in uninspired dialogue), and acts human. The illustrations and text are not harmonious; on one page, the text explains, ``Woody bounced right out of bed.'' The illustration shows him standing stolidly. Another describes Chopper with baby Willimena in the park and shows Bruiser doing a cartwheel. The illustrations, in a full-color water-based medium, are sometimes muddy and indistinct. The beavers may remind readers faintly of a badger named Frances (HarperCollins), but the story lacks Hoban's clarity, wit, and masterfully crafted language. --Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Lib . System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pryor's ( Amanda & April ; The House on Maple Street ) latest recounts the escapades of two thoroughly likable beaver brothers--Chopper, the older and (of course) bossier, and Woody, his ever-eager shadow. A noteworthy feature here is the work's division into three separate stories--a chapter book for the picture book set. In "Moving," the willing but bumbling brothers try to help Papa build a new house. On their first day of school, Chopper experiences "Love" when he loses his heart to a comely classmate. And in "Company for Dinner"--the book's snappiest scenario--the siblings narrowly escape getting into big trouble when Mama asks them to mind the baby while she goes to the store. Pryor's dialogue perfectly captures sibling interplay, and her stories subtly deliver worthwhile messages about making friends and doing one's part in a family. Making her debut as an illustrator, Baker contributes vibrant paintings that add many jolly touches as they convey familial affection. Her watery, somewhat undefined artwork is clear and appealing enough for kids and stylized enough to hold parents' interest as well. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.