REVIEWS+

Over at the Castle

by Kelly Murphy
32p. 978-0-81098-414-1.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1 The loving Mom and baby from Ashburn and Murphy's "Hush, Little Dragon" (Abrams, 2008) reenact a variation of another familiar folk song. Well-rhymed quatrains guide readers through a medieval landscape populated with ever-increasing numbers of inhabitants (from one little dragon and two gruff guards all the way up to ten frisky jesters). Suspense builds on each earth-toned page, as mother dragon advises "patience" while child eagerly anticipates the book's culminating surprise: fireworks ignited by the "whoosh" of the dragons' breath. Simple but richly textured oil and acrylic illustrations contain amusing details for observant eyes (the little dragon can be caught peeking inside the castle walls, and an "old wily prisoner" and his "pet rats five" can be spied planning and executing escape from the dungeon). A playful and comforting addition to storytimes."Amy Rowland, Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset, NY" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
In this variation on "Over in the Meadow," a little dragon and its mother prepare a surprise for a medieval castle's inhabitants. The textured acrylic, oil, and gel illustrations include many humorous details. With its ready-to-count items--from one baby dragon to ten jesters--and lilting rhymes, the book is well suited to both group and individual read-alouds.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?