Then and Now

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Similar to Ockenga's The Ark in the Attic , this calendar book contains photographic reproductions of hundreds of artifacts pertinent to real and fictional personalities. The oversized spreads consist of a monthly calendar page--which is not day-specific--opposite crowded depictions of stuffed figures, campaign buttons, dolls, antique toys, etc. The photographs are set against Doolittle's painted backgrounds, a confusing device that renders the objects nearly indistinguishable from their settings. The more serious problem, however, is in understanding this odd book's purpose and/or appeal. The names included by each date seem randomly chosen, and many offer little of interest to children: this book is not the place to commemorate the birthdays of tire inventor Andre Michelin and author John Updike (and Pigeon Feathers is hardly the latter's best known work, though the only one listed). Beatrix Potter is noted as the creator of Jeremy Fisher--the immortal Peter Rabbit is omitted. Composer Alan Lerner is listed, with no entry for his collaborator, Fritz Loewe--and this talented duo will definitely not go into the record books--as noted here--as the creators of Paint Your Wagon . A truly egregious error is the entry listing Anton Chekhov as the author of The Doll's House : the play ( A Doll's House ) is by Henrik Ibsen. The list of inconsistencies and inaccuracies goes on and on in this misguided and inept work. All ages. (Aug.)

School Library Journal

K-Gr 6-- Each month of the year is accompanied by a lively photograph of painted background collages in this whimsical birthday and event calendar. The birthdays of a wide variety of people of note (characters from books or cartoons, film, and entertainment; famous political figures; inventors; and authors) are celebrated. It's a good selection of icons of interest to children, running from contemporary classics (Clifford the dog, Raymond Briggs's Snowman, and the inventor of Gerber's baby food) to popular culture (Popeye, E .T., and the father of Coca Cola). Days of the month are listed with the day's significance stated, but because of the variety of images, it becomes a guessing game to match figures to holidays. A key, complete with dates and explanations, is provided, as well as notes as to special months, too. Readers are encouraged to list their special days, and to make their own books of days. --Catherine Wood, Shelburne Museum, VT