The Mud Flat Olympics

From Publishers Weekly Neither as affecting as Stevenson's Grandaddy's Place or Grandaddy & Janetta nor as memorable as his warm reminiscences of childhood (Don't You Know There's a War On?) nor as laugh-aloud funny as his whimsical The Flying Acorns, this good-natured chapter book is still an excellent choice for beginning readers. The annual Olympic games are being held on the mud flat, and the contestants are amiable but determined to win. The moles Kevin and Kimberly both set their sights on the Deepest Hole Contest (after burrowing underground, he reports that he encountered hot lava; she bests him with her tale of reaching China). The Smelliest Skunk Contest, the All-Snail High Hurdles and the River-cross Freestyle follow-all with unexpected results. Stevenson's animal athletes are a likable lot; even a wily crocodile who tries to win the swimming race by biting a rival makes amends in the end. The humor is subtle, delivered largely through understated dialogue and brief, pert sentences, and, of course, through Stevenson's characteristically droll watercolor-and-black-pen illustrations. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-A group of animal friends is holding its own Olympic games in this beginning chapter book. Episodes describe the Deepest Hole Contest (for moles), the All-Snail High Hurdles, the smelliest skunk contest, and the River-cross Freestyle. The delightfully funny events, which the creatures win with their wits rather than with their brawn, will please many youngsters. Stevenson's droll critter drawings, done in watercolor and pen and ink, accent and amplify the text. A book that's sure to be a hit with newly independent readers.