Friends

January 1, 2012
The beguiling pair introduced in Snake and Lizard (rev. 11/08) now share a burrow and are business partners, too, "Helper and Helper." Different as their habits and appetites are, their relationship involves the ongoing negotiation that gives this chronicle much of its humor. They bicker constantly; still, the outcomes are fair, reasonable, and often capped with a delightfully ironic twist -- such as when Snake, who, after overcoming her fear of the cobweb Lizard treasures (snacks!), finds that spiders may be harmless but aren't all that tasty. Their unobtrusively philosophical debates are nifty blends of fact (they do get the mechanics of the "life cycle" right); hearsay ("but your mother didn't know everything"); and comic misconstruction (the derelict bike they imagine represents the life cycle "has two round things" because "We're both right!...There are two true stories!"). More satirical is the sanctimonious celebration of a "hero" rabbit who ended "flatter than a shadow" when he tried to halt the "monsters" (cars) in the "River of Death" -- "an absolute idiot," the friends finally agree. In the last scene, a balloon inspires a myth that honors both their traditions: "This was a story, they both knew it, and yet the story contained so much truth..." So does this wise and funny book. Bishop's colorful spot art nicely reinforces the affectionate characterizations, and the humor. joanna rudge long

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 15, 2011

Here's to the continuation of one unlikely friendship.

In this New Zealand import, sequel to Snake and Lizard (2008), the reptilian buddies become impromptu advisors to their colorful, desert community (Snake and Lizard, Helper and Helper). The pair's natural instincts and sensitive egos can get in the way of their relationship--it doesn't help that Snake's sibling devours lizards for lunch or that Lizard's haughty demands pick apart Snake's poor manners. Lizard's bossy demeanor collides with Snake's vulnerable side (don't mention her late mother). Though misunderstandings temporarily cause friction, the friends rise above them. "Love is a word for friends to share. Don't you agree?" asks Lizard. Slightly macabre punchlines capture an amusing reality with unexpected charm, such as when Lizard's client (a mute frog) turns into Snake's tantalizing prey: "Snake curled her tail over the bulge in her stomach. He's croaked now, she thought..." The buddies' innovative use of language influences their sense of perspective; "human things" demonstrate their inferiority to the cold-blooded cohorts when seen to shed their "skin" before an outdoor dip, for instance. Rendered in rustic reds and muted tans, Bishop's watercolor-and-ink scenes grace the episodic chapters and add their own layer of humor.

Though a little dryer than in the first book, this duo's opinionated banter still packs a rib-tickling punch. (Animal fantasy. 7-10)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

December 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-Unlikely friends Snake and Lizard are back in this story collection from New Zealand. The pair continue their adventures together, whether that means hunting for hard-to-get food, arguing over the fate of a spider living in their doorway, or continuing to provide "Helper" services to other animals. While some plotlines from Snake and Lizard (Kane/Miller, 2008) are brought up but not explained (such as the friends' role as "helpers"), for the most part, this book can stand alone. It includes more stories directly linked together, such as the selections about the attempts of the friends to put together a suitable memorial for Ear Bent, a rabbit killed while daring to take on the "monsters" that travel along the "River of Death." The book remains unflinchingly honest in its portrayal of the natural world. The matter-of-fact tone used to describe animals eating and being eaten, as well as descriptions of desert life, brings the setting to life for children. The thick, off-white pages and small illustrations in muted colors create a pleasant individual reading experience. With its more sophisticated subject matter, short chapters, and clever dialogue, it also make for a satisfying read-aloud.-Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2012
The beguiling pair introduced in Snake and Lizard now share a burrow and are business partners, too. They bicker constantly; still, the outcomes are fair, reasonable, and often capped with a delightfully ironic twist. Their unobtrusively philosophical debates are nifty blends of fact, hearsay, and comic misconstruction. Bishops colorful spot art nicely reinforces the affectionate characterizations and the humor.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)