BILLY THE GREAT

Guy, Rosa

ISBN 10: 0385306660 / ISBN 13: 9780385306669

Published by Delacorte Press, NY, 1992

About this Item

Unnumbered [26pp]. Full color illustrations by Caroline Binch. Full color illustrated smooth boards with title on spine and front board. Pictorial Dust Jacket mirrors front board. Book is slightly hurt on bottom edge. Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.

Seller Inventory # 002288

Bibliographic Details

• Title: BILLY THE GREAT
• Publisher: Delacorte Press, NY
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0385306660
• ISBN 13: 9780385306669
• Binding: Cloth
• Illustrator: Caroline Binch
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Very Good+++
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good+++
• Book Type: Hardcover

About this title

Synopsis

Billy's parents have always decided what is right for him, but when new neighbors move in next door, he begins to demonstrate that he has a mind of his own. By the author of My Love, My Love.

Reviews

A ponderous lesson in overcoming prejudice overwhelms this insubstantial story about friendship and parental short-sightedness. Billy's parents' high hopes for their son ("My Billy is going to be a teacher." "With his strong back and legs? No, Billy's going to be a great soccer player") seem threatened when Rod and his family move in next door. Although Billy's family is black and Rod's is white, the question of race does not enter the conflict; rather, the question of class does in Billy's mother's comment, the meaning of which will be lost on the book's intended audience, that "He's too big for you to play with. Besides, his father has tattoos." The boys' ability to surmount their parents' misguided concerns proves equally puzzling as it comes about somewhat arbitrarily after Rod teaches Billy to perform a cartwheel. Binch's ( Amazing Grace ) vibrant, spirited watercolors enliven Guy's ( Mother Crocodile ) plodding text. The collection of "snapshots" that adorn the beginning and end of the book reinforces the proud parents theme. Unfortunately, however, the sunny images cannot rescue the tale from its unwieldy message. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.