<< back to Article Index

Lap Time - Book Reviews

The Picture Books of Lisa Wheeler:
Rhyming, Witty, and Warm by Terry Miller Shannon
Lisa Wheeler's picture books are like M&M's. Once you've devoured one morsel of sweetness, you must have another. Her lilting rhymes speak of adventure, friendship, heroism, and romance. Lisa Wheeler displays her versatility in these three books: a dazzling adventure, an ode to friendship, and a funny romance.

I dare you to read just one. . .

AVALANCHE ANNIE
Written by Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus
ISBN: 0152167358
Harcourt, Inc.
Here's a tall tale that celebrates the snowy season--and the triumph of Avalanche Annie. Annie is challenged by a tremendous slide of snow during the town's annual snowshoe race. She joyfully conquers the slider by lassoing and riding it into town. A bracing feel-good tale of adventure and heroism for those cabin-feverish days!

ONE DARK NIGHT
Written by Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Ivan Bates
ISBN: 0152023186
Harcourt, Inc.
One dark night, two friends ("a wee little mouse and a wee little mole") leave their safe little house. Their journey turns spooky and brave little Mouse encourages his timid friend. Meanwhile . . . an enormous bear is waiting impatiently to eat. His stomach rumbles, and he paces around. Finally, the two travelers find a cozy, lit cave. Could it be? Uh oh, it is--the bear's home. Just as we think the hungry bear might meet (or "eat") up with the mole and mouse duo in the worst imaginable manner . . .all is settled in a satisfyingly cozy and happy way. Illustrator Ivan Bates perfectly captures the characters and atmosphere of this warm tale of friendship.

SIXTEEN COWS
By Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus
ISBN: 0152026762
Harcourt, Inc.
Cowboy Gene lives on Biddle Ranch with his fancifully named cattle, Mudskipper, Sissy Nell, Twinkle Toes, and the rest of the herd. On the very next ranch, smart and true Cowgirl Sue loves her Waddle Ranch cows: Sunflower, Cinderbox, Charlotte Grace, and more. One day, a wind blows down the fence separating Waddle Ranch and Biddle Ranch. Cowboy Gene calls his cattle. Cowgirl Sue is infuriated when her cows follow Cowboy Gene home. She calls hers, and both herds head for her. Back and forth, back and forth the sixteen cows go. Finally, a truce is called, a compliment is given . . .and a MOO-ving romance has commenced.

This book is absolutely adorable. The rhyme sings, the story is funny and heartwarming, and Kurt Cyrus's illustrations couldn't be more perfect. I find SIXTEEN COWS the most addictive of these three irresistible books. In fact, I must go read it again-- right now.

Which Lisa Wheeler book will be YOUR undoing?

---

Terry Miller Shannon and her son, Tim Warner, wrote a funny, rhyming picture book. Tim's three-year-old bath-loving son inspired TUB TOYS (Tricycle Press, 2002), which MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW says is "..greatly recommended..whimsical and fun." Check it out at Tub Toys



  << back to Article Index