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Books Teach Kids to Dream Big and Get Along
By Nicole Jones
Cinderdog and Cowboy Carl enjoy a pleasant evening by the campfire. |
Joan Holub, Albert Whitman & Company, 2001, 30 pages, ages 4-8 (***)
Cinderdog has a wonderful life as faithful companion of Cowboy Carl. After Cowboy Carl marries Cactus Kate, Cinderdog feels unwanted and jealous of the preferential treatment that Kate's cat, Wicked, receives. New rules and being left behind on the ranch so they can take Wicked to a cat show is the last straw; Cinderdog runs away, only to find himself at the cat show winning the prize for strangest looking cat. Wicked and Cinderdog are abducted by a desperado looking for food for his snakes. After their escape, the two talk about their mutual unhappiness with the new family situation and resolve to help the other adjust. But, just when everything becomes happy and comfortable again, there's a new surprise to upset everything: a new baby.
Holub writes and illustrates this whimsical spin of Cinderella, written in cowboy dialect and set on a Western ranch. The several layers of theme allow various reader maturity levels to comprehend each message. Older readers will understand the significance of the difficulty of blending a family. Younger readers will enjoy the anthropomorphism and alliteration. There is too much action to be considered feasible considering the realism of the main plot of how the characters deal with a blended family. The kidnapping of Cinderdog and Wicked is a contrived segue to the reconciliation of these characters. However, it remains an adorable allegory that children and parents can enjoy together.
Daisy the Firecow tries out the pole. |
Viki Woodworth, Boyds Mills Press, 2001, 29 pages, ages 3-8, (***)
Daisy, a Holstein cow, is unhappy on the farm and sets out to find adventure. Convinced that the first set of rickety buildings that she comes to is the big city she's sought, she responds to a Help Wanted ad posted on the side of the fire station. The fire chief is incensed that a cow would apply for a dalmatian's position but agrees to let Daisy fill the role of mascot until a dalmatian shows up. Hers days are filled learning all about the fire station, like trying on the gear, washing the trucks, and sliding down the fire pole. Daisy proves herself as a worthy member of the team when she successfully rescues a calf at a barn fire. Daisy believes her adventure is over when a dalmatian appears at the station, but the chief, so proud of Daisy's work, announces that the position has already been filled and tears down the Help Wanted ad.
Woodworth writes and illustrates this charming tale. Many children right now are especially interested in learning more about what fire fighters do and what goes on in a fire station. This story provides some simple examples: what the gear looks like, what the fire fighters do on their breaks, and how hard they work to rescue even animals. Readers will benefit from the message of setting your mind to accomplish a dream and then working hard once the goal has been attained. This is a great book for parents and children to read together.
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