Under the Midsummer Sky

Pohpa is too tired from work to celebrate Midsummer's night, so Mohma tries to make a Maypole to cheer him up, in a story based on Swedish folk traditions.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-In this gentle story set in Sweden during Midsummer celebrations, a husband and wife each secretly plans a surprise for the other. Pohpa tries to make a custard, while Mohma rigs a maypole from sticks. Neither project turns out as expected, but both accept their gifts with love and good humor. Geddes's naive-style paintings feature lush opaque greens, yellows and blues, and cool tints for the Northern summer landscape. Her bluntly shaped figures look like children's dolls against the fields and interiors. Mohma's eyes are almost closed half circles while Pohpa stares vacantly into space, giving this quiet story an emotionless look. A slight offering that will introduce children to the concept of midsummer endless days in the North.
Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 4-7. In this original tale set during the Swedish Midsomor, an elderly couple do something kind for each other, though not exactly what they had in mind. Without the proper ingredients, Pohpa's custard for Mohma becomes scrambled eggs. And with a lopsided broom, Mohma's maypole for Pohpa turns out to be an ideal scarecrow. The affectionate tone and detailed author's note help compensate for the gaps and contrivances in the plot. Although more painterly, the naive illustrations have flat, rounded figures that bring to mind the work of Geddes' mentor, Tomie de Paola. Use this in tandem with Emberly's lovely Wake-up, Sun, about the murky Norwegian winter, for a well-rounded excursion north. Julie Corsaro