Bruno the Tailor

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Part story book, part vocabulary builder and part how-to, Klinting's slender but zippy volume brings back the unquestionably busy beaver of Bruno the Carpenter. Here Bruno sets out to make himself a new apron, a task he performs methodically and successfully, despite a few minor mishaps that are easily resolved: he learns to be more careful after pricking himself with a needle and handily shortens and hems his apron when he discovers it's too long. Punctuating his crisp, simple narrative with empathetic exclamations ("Ouch!"; "Oh dear!"), the Swedish author/artist effortlessly involves readers in his protagonist's efforts while increasing the tale's appeal as a read-aloud. His watercolor and colored-pencil art invests Bruno with a magnetic personality; whether the beaver is biting his tongue in concentration or grinning at the comforts of his washtub turned bathtub, his expressions are just right. Alongside illustrations affably chronicling Bruno's steady progress, labeled pictures identify the materials and tools used to complete his project. And for eager beavers interested in following suit, the book concludes with a handful of sewing tips and a small-scale apron pattern. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-Bruno, first introduced to American readers in Bruno the Carpenter (Holt, 1996), decides to make himself a new apron. First he must find some suitable fabric in his messy sewing room. Next, he washes the cloth, hangs it up to dry, then irons it carefully. The beaver then takes his measurements, makes his pattern, pins it to the fabric, and cuts out the garment. He bastes all seams and pockets into place, then sews the apron on the sewing machine. Bruno is very proud of his work. The excellent colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations depict a lovable, earnest beaver in the ups and downs of his project. All the items and sewing tools that he needs are clearly depicted. The pattern is also given so that readers may make their own. Special tips are included (with illustrations) on finishing edges, sewing pockets, basting, and prewashing the fabric. Anyone who has done sewing will appreciate this clear-cut presentation. Children will also love Bruno and enjoy this story on its own even if they are not likely to do any tailoring.-Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA