Book by Wynne-Jones, Tim
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Grade 5-9-Like the various hexagram combinations of the I Ching, around which a school project in the title story revolves, these seven short stories hold wonder and fascination for inquisitive readers. Wynne-Jones invents a nine-earringed, purple-Mohawked oracle; a Chinese warlord with a penchant for cranberry juice; a bully mesmerized by a Donald Duck impression; a frantic teen who pursues his "developmentally challenged" uncle through the neighborhood one pleasant Saturday morning; a young TV Guide salesman who runs away from his customers and finds an articulate little girl desperately in need of a big brother; and a fourth-generation hockey star who confesses to the statue of his great-grandfather that he doesn't love the game. Other than their Ontario settings, the only thread that ties the selections together is Wynne-Jones's magical, adolescent-narrative voice. The stories tend to be open-ended, something that may disappoint those who like closure. Subtlety and wisdom abound, though, and readers will find the foibles of the empathetic characters creeping back into their consciousness and conversations. From the poignancy of a parent leaving to the exhilaration of finding a lost cow one wintry morning, this collection offers more of the gentle surprises of the funhouse than the jolts of a roller-coaster ride.
John Sigwald, Unger Memorial Library, Plainview, TX
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Seven fresh tales from the author of Some of the Kinder Planets focus on what seem to be ordinary events: a frantic search for inspiration for a class project, a chance to appear a hero to a younger child, the tyranny of a class bully. Yet with his prowess for crafting each tale so that it neatly comes full circle, Wynne-Jones makes the quotidian well worth reading about. In "Dawn," the standout of the volume, two strands of plot are affectingly joined together. Here a boy named Barnsey is traveling on a bus when he meets Dawn, who lets him listen to a special audiocassette. Days later, after learning that his parents are divorcing, the boy discovers that while he slept Dawn had slipped the tape into his bag, and he is able to pass her soothing gift on to his hurting father. The characters' on-target thoughts and banter attest to the author's familiarity with-and compassion for-today's kids. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: USED_GOOD. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00061535084
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Maryland Book Bank, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. Used - Very Good. Seller Inventory # 4-EEE-2-0104
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Books From California, Simi Valley, CA, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. Seller Inventory # mon0003124203
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Next Page, Calgary, AB, Canada
Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. First Edition, 1994. Signed and Inscribed by author on half Title page. Exlibris stamp on inside front cover. Seller Inventory # 978088899223C
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Edmonton Book Store, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. Dust Jacket Condition: no dustjacket. 8vo pp. 10 143.Signed and dedicated by author on half title page. Signed by Author. book. Seller Inventory # 88389
Quantity: 1 available