A Net of Stars

When the carnival comes to town, Etta finds an ingenious way to overcome her fear of heights

Kindergarten-Grade 2?Haying time brings the midway to the timeless, rural American community in which the main character's family lives. In spite of this excitement, Etta is terrified to ride the Ferris wheel. To prepare herself, she climbs onto the chicken-coop roof, where she becomes stranded. An attempt to ride the wheel with her siblings is aborted, and Etta retreats in frustration: "Can't be brave. Can't! I hold on to Fiona as hard as I can and I start to cry. Big tears I cry. Big baby tears." Finally, looking out her window one night, the child has a revelation about the stars and is able to use it to help her overcome her fear of heights. The clear, simple prose is as suited to independent reading as it is to reading aloud. Luminous composition and effective delineation of character are the trademarks of Shed's realistic, full-color gouache paintings. Etta's determination is effectively captured by her posture as well as her words. The text and illustrations work in concert to deliver the essence of youthful discovery. The book will be cherished by children who are seeking courage and by those who have found it.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.