Book Reviews

BookSense.com Daily Pick July 24th, 2001
The Space Child's Mother Goose
by Frederick Winsor, Marian Parry (Illustrator)

Originally published in 1956, this quirky, long out-of-print classic comes in the guise of a children's illustrated book, but should appeal, now that it's been rediscovered by Purple House Press, to a much broader audience. With delightful line drawings by Marian Parry reminiscent of those found in Stanislaw Lem's timeless sci-fi novels, Frederick Winsor's rhyming verses bring a wide variety of scientific theories, thought, and spirit to life.

Probable-Possible, my black hen,
She lays eggs in the Relative When.
She doesn't lay eggs in the Positive Now
Because she's unable to Postulate How.

Printed on wonderfully thick paper, to withstand countless re-readings, The Space Child's Mother Goose will delight, confound, and edify the egghead inside all of us.


Amazon.com July 18th, 2001
Mr. Pine's Purple House
by Leonard P. Kessler (Illustrator)

First published in 1965 and brought back by popular demand, Mr. Pine's Purple House, a story of the triumph of individualism, has crept into the hearts of thousands of readers over the decades. (In fact, it was Jeff Bezos's favorite book when he was a child!) The story begins: "Mr. Pine lived on Vine Street in a little white house." The problem is, there are 50 white houses on Vine Street, all in a line, and he can't tell which one is his! Mr. Pine decides to plant a little tree in front to distinguish his abode, but everyone likes that idea so much, they do it, too. When he paints his house purple, however, no one on the block follows suit.

Simple but memorable line drawings (splashed with purple), large type, and airy design combine with a meaningful story to make this a perfect choice for early readers who one day will dare to be different. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson


David and the Phoenix
Brad Strickland, Author

A boastful Phoenix who would fly to safety in the Andes if only he could master Spanish verbs. A terrifying Sea Monster who, when complimented, blushes like a boiled lobster. A tetchy Banshee who has figured out that her racket doesn't pay enough to plan for a comfortable retirement.... All these, and many more, are ingredients in Edward Ormondroyd's charming, funny, and touching fantasy. I'm sorry I missed this when I was a kid, because Mr. Ormondroyd has the original, fanciful, literary touch of an L. Frank Baum, together with an infectious sense of humor. Move over, Harry Potter. David and his Phoenix deserve a place next to you on any child's bookshelf.


A Common Reader

The sapphire-winged Phoenix is 500 years old. It has a prodigious vocabulary about which it is rather vain, a penchant (By Jove!) for speaking like an English toff, and an abiding affection for the boy who has stumbled upon its lair. The “practical education” the avuncular Phoenix offers its eager protégé — how to find the Philosopher's Stone , fight a Chimera, dig for buried treasure — animates this enchanting book, which is further distinguished by Ormondroyd's deft, literate prose.


Chicago Tribune, 1957

Just as the mountain said to David, we say to you, "Come along and climb!" Soar, with the aid of the mysterious Phoenix, to fabulous adventure with folks that never were - or always are, depending on your viewpoint. See a magic witch, in her cave, brew a wail; meet the Banshee of Mare's Nest Wood! By the way, do you know the difference between gryffin, gryffon and gryffen? Nor did David. David learned fascinating facts as a preparation for Life, while he helped friend Phoenix escape the serious Scientist.

Edward Ormondroyd has written a stimulating, ageless story. It combines beautiful writing, topnotch adventure, and enchanting fantasy.


Booklist, 1957
"Fantasy and humor are happily blended in an enjoyable tale of the friendship between a contemporary boy and the fabled phoenix whom he encounters on a mountain ledge. As the phoenix undertakes to fill in David's education and the two attempt to outwit a scientist determined to capture the phoenix dead or alive, they have some exciting adventures involving griffins, a sea monster, a leprechaun, a banshee and a faun. The story ends with their celebration of the phoenix's five-hundredth anniversary..."