King of the Woods - Softcover

Day, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0333604725 ISBN 13: 9780333604724

Publisher: Macmillan Pub Ltd, 1995

Synopsis

An apple lies invitingly on a tree stump in the wood. A competition ensues for who will possess this wondrous object. But the real King of the Woods has yet to make her presence felt.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-In this cumulative, predictable tale of the weak overcoming the strong, the battleground is a tree stump in a forest, and the object in dispute is a golden apple. First discovered by little Wren, the fruit attracts increasingly larger animals, each of whom claims to be "king of the woods." In the end, little Wren proves victorious, and all watch in silence as she eats the worm that's been hiding inside this prized apple. Brown's marvelous watercolors depict a green, mossy forest and detailed, expressive creatures. The animals and birds are painted in sharp detail and are full of movement, character, bluster, and pride. The woodland background is less focused, yet the shadowy silhouette of each new challenger is apparent in the mist. Beginning readers can handle the text independently, and younger children will enjoy hearing it read aloud.
Jacqueline Elsner, Athens Regional Library, GA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

A big, juicy, golden apple attracts a succession of woods dwellers, who appear here in pecking order. After a tiny wren discovers the fruit, various creatures lay claim to it, each announcing, "I am the king of the woods." Unsurprisingly, each is foiled by a bigger, gruffer contender. Day's repetitive, gamesome text invites youngest mites to join in the telling. Its predictability effectively lures readers into a rhythm of expectation. However, the refrains carry a distinctly British lilt that may be cumbersome for American readers ("The Crow may be able to bully little bush birds, but the Eagle was not having any bragging bird claiming to be lord of his forest"). Brown's watercolor beasts and birds gain in jocularity and puffed-up foolishness as the book progresses. Its brains-over-brawn, agility-counts, get-even ending will satisfy small readers. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Macmillan Pub Ltd
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0333604725
• ISBN 13: 9780333604724
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Brown Ken