From: Nicholas Glass <nglass>
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 20:46:00 -0500

The key to Betsy Hearne's review is space (as Ginny and others have already pointed out.) Because she was provided ample word-count, she was able to succesfuly intergrate many important aspects of the ideal review, such as contextualizing the book within the context and comparison of other children's books; summarizing the story; explaining certain unique qualities to the book.

The one aspect that I believe Raschka does so well (which we haven't discussed yet) is raise relevant and insightful questions for children and adults to discuss. Arlene faces the ever-intriguing reality of death. And in doing so, Arlene becomes human food. Where our food comes from, and children's intrigue about the personalities of the sacrificed animals, are truthful and important issues that young people ponder. It is examining the questions that books address which distinguishes quality for me. Raschka has done this before, and did it again. And as everyone has said, Raschka raises these questions with unique style and flair.

Nick Glass

Pooh Corner bookstore Madison, WI

At 09:58 AM 9/11/98 00, you wrote:
Received on Sat 12 Sep 1998 08:46:00 PM CDT