Skylar - Hardcover

Cuffe-Perez, Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 039924543X ISBN 13: 9780399245435

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2008

Synopsis

When the wild geese migrate over the little pond with its pink flamingos and clipped grass, Skylar and the others watch with envy. They like their pond, but there is something elegant and brave about being a real wild goose. But they?ve never flown before, and besides, there?s never been a reason to go.

Then a lost heron wants the pond geese to take him to Lost Pond, and Skylar thinks it?s time for this motley crew to spread their wings and try out the great blue yonder. Adventure awaits . . . but, as they?ll soon find out, so does great danger.

At once charming and funny, full of friendship, hardship, and bravery, this is a beautifully told story about leaving home to experience the world. With delightful black-and-white illustrations, and hints of Charlotte?s Web and The Tale of Despereaux, this is a book in the tradition of fine children?s literature.

About this title

About the Author

Mary Cuffe-Perez lives in Galway, New York.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—Five pond geese trade security for the exhilaration of freedom to lead a lost one-eyed heron to the migration gathering in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Foolhardy Skylar has some vague memories of his first migration when he was grounded and left behind during a storm. He leads opinionated Roosevelt, stalwart Esther, pudgy Loomis, and anxious little Weedle through several adventures and scrapes to their goal. Liwska's shaded black-and-white pencil renderings work with the text to give readers a strong sense of place. Realistic geese behaviors and touches of humor keep pace with strong themes (facing fears and learning through experience). Grounded in nature, like Donna Jo Napoli's Ugly (Hyperion, 2006), Skylar also includes a fatal scene with a hunter. The writing is strong, though a few wobbly phrases such as "The sun opened the horizon like an invitation" and geese descending from the sky "as if delivered of it" may need some clarification. With its evocative descriptions and some challenging vocabulary, this book makes a great read-aloud.—Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
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About this edition

• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 039924543X
• ISBN 13: 9780399245435
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 144
• Illustrator: Liwska Renata