CM Magazine: The Magic Ear

________________ CM . . . . Volume I Number 14 . . . . September 15, 1995

The Magic Ear
Laura Langston. Illustrated by Victor Bosson.
Victoria, B.C.: Orca Book Publishers, 1995. 32pp, cloth, $14.95.
ISBN 1-55143-035-5
Kindergarten - grade 4 / Ages 5 - 9.
Review by Ian McClaren

excerpt:

"That," said the great dragon king, "is the magic ear. There is not another one like it in all of Neriya."

"Then you must keep it," Hoderi said quickly. "I have no need of a reward."

The dragon king was silent for a long time. Finally he spoke. "You have saved my daughter's life," he said. "Nothing is too good for you. You must take the magic ear."

Laura Langston's previous works include No Such Thing as Far Away and Pay Dirt! The Search for Gold in British Columbia. Langston currently lives in Victoria, B.C., and has taken up writing full-time.

The Magic Ear is a short, illustrated story based on a Japanese folk tale. Langston's narrative may prove a bit cumbersome for very young readers or listeners -- for a picture book aimed at Division One children, the sentences are often long and complex. But the rich descriptiveness of Langston's writing is undeniable. Her ability to paint pictures with words will appeal to older children.

The cover of The Magic Ear is bright and eye-catching. The picture on the back, of a man riding an enormous fish, will effectively draw potential readers, curious about this strange event. The text is large enough to read easily, and a beautifully illuminated initial begins each new page.

One of the strengths of this book is the illustrations; Victor Bosson's rich, colourful pictures vividly convey the quiet honesty and gentle nature of Hoderi, the protagonist. Each illustration is framed by a complementary border.

The Magic Ear would be useful as an addition to the study of Japan or folk-tales in the classroom. It also stands very well on its own merits as an excellent read-aloud book for young listeners.

Recommended.

Ian McLaren is an elementary teacher living in Pincher Creek, Alberta.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - September 15, 1995.