Angel & Soldier Boy

A child dreams her toy angel and soldier come alive in a perilous adventure in which they rescue a coin from thieving pirates

Grade 1-3 Pastel watercolors and colored pencil tell this wordless story with great flair. Following a bedtime story about a loathsome pirate, a young girl dreams that the wooden angel and soldier on her pillow become involved in a dangerous adventure. Two miniature pirates knock down her piggy bank, climb down the lamp cord and steal a silver coin. Soon the tiny soldier awakens and confronts the thieves but is captured and brought to the pirate ship on top of the piano. Eventually the angel wakes up, sets out to find her friend, and rescues him after some close calls with a house cat and the pirates. It is the realistic detail in this book which sets it apart from the many wordless picture books. The wooden figures are exquisitely drawn, and their tiny size is perfectly captured as they trek through the house. The background of each picture is as fascinating as the foreground. Carpet design and wallpaper patterns, curtain and bedclothing textures add interest and liveliness to the plight of the pastel wooden figures, as does the artist's use of light and shadow. A pleasurable encounter for children and adults alike. Barbara S. McGinn, Oak Hill Elementary School, Severna Park, Md.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.