Island Summer

From Publishers Weekly Stock (Miss Viola and Uncle Ed Lee; the Gus and Grandpa books) sketches an affectionate portrait of summertime on a Greek island. Empty during the winter and early spring, a sleepy town begins to stir as the weather warms and the mainland inhabitants arrive to spruce up the streets and houses for the summer people. Full-spread pencil and watercolor pictures reveal an increasingly bustling village, with brightly clad tourists providing an effective contrast to the subtle hues of the local sceneryAthe soothing blue of the sea, the soft earth tones of the countryside, the cool white of the buildings. Close study of the pictures will reward kids: amid the activity, two youngsters on a rooftop prepare to drop water balloons on the folk below; a boy teases two alarmed girls with what appears to be a crab or crayfish). But the narrative repeatedly bogs down with wordy descriptions. Of springtime, for example, Stock writes, "Then, slowly, the sun grows stronger, squeezing the wild wind into a soft spring breeze. It soothes the angry waves into a flat, shimmering sea and soaks up the muddy puddles like freshly baked pound cake sops up melted chocolate." Though the tour is scenic, the prose is a bit sticky for most tastes. Ages 5-up. (July) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 2 A lovely mood piece. Stock follows the seasonal changes that take place on an island resort in Greece. After being deserted all winter, the area once again comes to life as people from the mainland arrive in spring to get ready for the first summer tourists. Life is peaceful and relaxed here just perfect for swimming or enjoying a game of dominoes. This is a brief look at a small and beautiful part of the world, done in watercolors with primarily blue and blue-green tones. The use of a cool and calming palette enhances the mood of the story. Reminiscent of a picture postcard, this slice of life is a decent supplemental purchase. Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.