________________ CM . . . . Volume IV Number 17 . . . . April 24, 1998

Cover Little Space Scout's Space Case.

Sonia Holleyman.
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books (Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books), 1997.
18 pp., hardcover, $17.95.
ISBN 0-8118-1758-X.

Kindergarten - grade 2 / Ages 5 - 7.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.

* /4

excerpt:

Luckily, I have my shield ring to deflect Pop's evil powers. I'm going to keep an eye on her, in case she pulls another trick!

I must get my periscope out...A slithery space slug has beamed down from Fang's post box: I think it's been squashed....

image Little Scout's Space Case is a cushion-covered diary in which a little girl, Plaxie, records her activities as she prepares for a library competition at school. The challenge is to build a "supercool spacesuit" and "my very own space ship." The book chronicles the 10 days that it takes her to get ready for the competition, with the help of her dog, Fang, and in the face of perceived enemies, such as her friend Trudy, aka Pop.

      This is a pop-up book, with little envelopes or lift-up flaps on every page. The text is large and in a slightly abstract style, not written in standard straight lines. Words or phrases are sometimes written in reverse as code. The illustrations are bright and splash over each page.

      If a younger child can be inspired to make a pretend space suit or ship, this book will provide quick fun. There is little education about space in the text nor is there much in the way of storyline or plot development. One event happens after another. A child might enjoy the humorous illustrations of Plaxie in her improved, modified spacesuit and develop imaginative play situations from it. A child enthusiastic about keeping a diary might be inspired by the format.

      Little Space Scout's Space Case would be suitable as a gift for a small child, but the pop-up pieces won't last long in a school or public library situation.

Recommended with reservations.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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

Copyright © 1998 the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - APRIL 24, 1998.

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