Oonga Boonga

Big brother Daniel seems to have just the right touch when it comes to making Baby Louise stop crying.

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Older brothers and sisters will empathize with this family whose baby's "wails shook the pictures off the walls." No relative or neighbor's advice, no bottle or song helps. Only big brother, Daniel, is able to get baby Louise's attention. When he says "Oonga Boonga," his sister stops crying. But these are not magic words after all; when he goes out to play, Louise's sobs return. "Oonga Boonga" chanted by others has no result--it is Daniel she wants. " 'Bonka Wonka, Louise,' " says Daniel, "And, to no one's surprise, Louise stopped crying." Stevenson's comical baby, even in the midst of her loudest hysterics, will provoke smiles; readers will find her work here uses a wider palette and includes more detail and an exaggerated sense of movement than in the familiar "Henry and Mudge" series (Bradbury). Lighthearted support for the often displaced older sibling and fun for all who enjoy the warmth and sweetness of a family story touched by just the right sense of silliness. --Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Nothing can make baby Louise stop crying--not patient rocking by her parents, not a clean diaper or a warm bottle, not even Grandpa's little jig. But when brother Daniel comes home from school, leans over Louise's crib, and utters the magic words, Oonga Boonga or Bonka Wonka, Louise is, suddenly and wonderfully, all smiles. This is a warm, funny celebration of the one-of-a-kind, intuitive bond between baby and big brother or sister. The understated text provides a perfect jumping-off point for Stevenson's exuberant touch, which ranges from broad comedy (adults cavorting to rock and roll in a vain attempt to distract the baby; the tears that spring in veritable torrents from the baby's eyes) to more subtle humor (the family dog's scrutiny, from his safe perch on the couch, of the inexplicably noisy bundle that is Louise). Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.