Sophie's Tom - Hardcover

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books. Dick wrote mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoyed writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does. Among his well-loved books are Babe: The Gallant Pig, which was made into a major motion picture and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Kindergarten-Grade 1-- The strong-willed, five-year-old, first introduced in Sophie's Snail (Delacorte, 1989), now faces her first year at school. Still intent on being a farmer, she continues her insect herds, but also decides she'd like to have a pet. She befriends a stray cat, whom she she calls her Tom, and manages to move him into the house despite her father's protests. King-Smith does know his cats, and Tom will also move right into many readers' hearts. The author also knows just how cats communicate, which makes Tom very easy to understand. Unfortunately, the book isn't always easy to understand due to the use of a few awkward Briticisms. Fortunately, the format is a real improvement over the first book. The print size has been greatly enlarged. Parkins has done bold ink sketches that are dramatic, lively, and striking through the use of contrast. They really show the characters' personalities. And personality is one thing Sophie is not lacking. She's a tough little girl who doesn't believe in tears. The likable heroine may remind readers of Ramona at times, but King-Smith's onlooker's point of view and tongue-in-cheek tone are not as appealing as Cleary's light, sure finger on the pulse of childhood. Since the main character is so young, the book may serve as an entertaining read-aloud rather than a selection for newly independent readers. Pleasant, though nonessential, fare. --Susannah Price, Boise Public Li brary, ID
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.