Stories Huey Tells

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?Julian first introduced himself and his loving African American family in Stories Julian Tells (Pantheon, 1981). Here, his younger brother, Huey, picks up the narrative as he describes important events in his life. Throughout these five interconnected stories Huey shines through as a creative and resourceful child who expresses the concerns and feelings of a fairly typical six year old. However, while this new collection addresses childhood concerns with charm and insight, it does not exhibit the same verve, lively humor, and poetic language evident in the first book about Julian. Much of the vivacity in that title emanated from Dad, whose flamboyant character, sensitivity to his children, and sense of humor provided a kind of balance to childhood preoccupations. Here, Cameron focuses almost exclusively on developing Huey's character, which he expresses freely within the bounds set by caring but vaguely defined adults. The format follows that of the earlier books but with less success. Smith's wooden faces in her black-and-white drawings and her static, unimaginative design fail to enliven the text. Nonetheless, youngsters just moving into chapter books may find the oversized print and short selections appealing, and they're sure to relate to Huey's experiences.?Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, MECopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 2^-3, younger for reading aloud. Cameron adds another warm, friendly chapter book to her popular series about Julian and his family. This time the narrator is Julian's younger brother, Huey, who's eager, innocent, vulnerable, and smart. Six-year-old Huey hates it when Julian puts him down ("He always acts like nothing I say is important" ), but Huey gets his own back when he fools Julian with a clever trick. In a wonderfully messy cooking episode, Huey concocts Banana Spaghetti for his mother's birthday breakfast, and by the time it's ready (with the help of Dad), every ingredient has been taken out of the kitchen cupboard and every appliance has been used. In another episode the family eats in a smart restaurant, and Huey loses his appetite when he sees the trout's head on the plate, with its big, sad eye looking straight at him. Cameron writes with a light touch, and Roberta Smith's lively black-and-white illustrations show the mischief and the love in Huey's happy African American family. Kids everywhere will recognize their fears, dreams, and jokes in Huey's daily adventures. Hazel Rochman

Review
Warm-hearted and winning."--The Horn Book

"Gentler than Beverly Cleary's Ramona series but with much of the same authenticity and insight, Huey's stories give younger readers a protagonist they'll enjoy knowing."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A book for sharing in the classroom and at home."--Booklist


Review
Warm-hearted and winning."--The Horn Book

"Gentler than Beverly Cleary's Ramona series but with much of the same authenticity and insight, Huey's stories give younger readers a protagonist they'll enjoy knowing."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A book for sharing in the classroom and at home."--Booklist



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Gr 1-3Julian first introduced himself and his loving African American family in Stories Julian Tells (Pantheon, 1981). Here, his younger brother, Huey, picks up the narrative as he describes important events in his life. Throughout these five interconnected stories Huey shines through as a creative and resourceful child who expresses the concerns and feelings of a fairly typical six year old. However, while this new collection addresses childhood concerns with charm and insight, it does not exhibit the same verve, lively humor, and poetic language evident in the first book about Julian. Much of the vivacity in that title emanated from Dad, whose flamboyant character, sensitivity to his children, and sense of humor provided a kind of balance to childhood preoccupations. Here, Cameron focuses almost exclusively on developing Huey's character, which he expresses freely within the bounds set by caring but vaguely defined adults. The format follows that of the earlier books but with less success. Smith's wooden faces in her black-and-white drawings and her static, unimaginative design fail to enliven the text. Nonetheless, youngsters just moving into chapter books may find the oversized print and short selections appealing, and they're sure to relate to Huey's experiences.Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME


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