The Small World of Binky Braverman - Softcover

Rosemary Wells (www.rosemarywells.com) is the award-winning author of many books for young readers.

Richard Egielski won the Caldecott Medal for Hey, Al and is the illustrator of many picture books, including Slim and Jim, and the Tub People books written by Pam Conrad.

PreSchool-Grade 4-When the grown-up Stanley "Binky" Braverman's 105-year-old Aunt Fran passes away, he returns to her home and is reminded of a powerful childhood memory. As a boy, he spent a summer in Memphis with his aunt and uncle while his parents prepared for a new baby. Even though his relatives adored him, Binky missed his friends and was uncomfortable in his fancy new city clothes. Late one night, he discovered that characters from various household products had come to life. He was no longer alone as the Yellow Bears from the syrup helped him finish breakfast and the Blue Nun from the ink bottle tutored him in long division. Ike, the friend he loved the best, soared from a deck of Pilot playing cards. Before returning home to his friends and family, Binky packed the items in his suitcase, but the little folks no longer communicated with him. In parting, Ike told him that if he was ever lonely again he should call them. Readers meet the adult Stanley in two introductory pages set before the title page, framing the story between present day and childhood memory. The watercolor illustrations complement Wells's imaginative text. Egielski's characteristic style evokes past times; the tones of the endpapers and selected spreads resemble sepia photographs. This gentle story will appeal to children, especially those who have had their own experiences with being away from home.
Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.