James Proimos, Jr. (1955–2024)

Often I try to avoid finding out what a book is about before I read it, so as to come to it without too many preconceptions. Usually that's a good mindset for reading a new book. But probably not for this one.

This is about the year Suzanne's father spend on duty in Viet Nam. He was there in '68. My dad was there in '69. Her dad sent her postcards. My dad sent us audio tapes. She noticed people trying not to look worried when she said where her father was, I was four and oblivious. She saw show more the news and became deeply concerned, whereas I don't recall watching anything about the war. Her father came home, eventually, but later than expected. As far as I know my dad came right back on schedule. We both got dolls. I didn't notice any changes in my dad, except that he was insistent we call him 'Sir," which I don't think we'd done before.

There's a tremendous amount of emotional resonance underneath all this. For some readers all that subtext will slide by, unnoticed. Others may find themselves swamped, but relieved that someone is talking about the thing that no one talks about. For me it was mostly just a "there but for the grace ..." moment, because I could have been Suzanne, and that would be dire.

It would be a really good idea for every public and school library to have a copy of this out, within easy reach, all the time, and for all the staff to know about it. The only other book I can think of with a similar storyline is Carl Hiassen's Scat, which should likewise be ubiquitous.

Library copy. show less

Reminding of The Jungle Book, this tale invites with the comfort of being wanted, cared for, and having a loving place to call home...even when life flows in another direction slightly.

A little baby girl floats down the river, unconcerned with everything. Two wolves sit: one contemplating right versus wrong, and the other thinking of food. Both fish the baby out of the river, and their tale of family begins.

In some ways, this tale has the atmosphere of folkslore from a faraway country. The show more baby floating down the river already hooks in, especially when she's pulled out by one wolf, whose stomach is grumbling. The tension is just enough to grab listeners' interest but never ventures into true fear. Rather caution. And that this swiftly dissipates into something else is simply warming. Good feelings abound, and the idea of family with all of its comfort and security fills the pages like a big hug.

The illustrations are done in watercolor and give the entire thing a nice, dreamy feel. The wolves never appear threatening, either. It's wonderful for a read-aloud.

The idea that a child grows up and will someday discover life on its own hits in the last pages. But that doesn't mean the child is really gone, nor does it mean there is a change in the love. A family remains a family no matter what, and this is a wonderful message.

I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a wonderfully, calming and sweet read. show less

After a number of picture books, James Proimos tries his hand at a young adult novel. I've looked at several of his previous works, Todd's TV, Paulie Pastrami, and the ever-popular Swim Swim, so I thought I'd pick this up.

I was first impressed by the length. Not many young adult authors can limit themselves to 121 pages, especially in this day of endless door-stopper series. And yet, so many middle schoolers (high schoolers just don't read) refuse to read these lengthy tomes. So, I was show more inclined to be pleased.

And pleased I was. This wasn't my usual kind of story; Hercules Martino has been sent to spend two weeks with his bachelor Uncle Anthony, the most boring man alive. Hercules dad has just died. Everyone thinks he was wonderful - Herc thinks otherwise. In just a week, with Uncle Anthony's boredom-preventing list, he will meet Strange Beautiful Unattainable Woman, get chased by dogs, eat at a homeless shelter, read Winnie-the-Pooh, shovel horse manure (or at least that was the original idea), and start to come to terms with his father's death and his own life.

This story is funnier than it sounds and more serious than you expect. If fits a lot into a little. Half the story is left untold, but the book tells more story than you would think possible.

[Yes, I am listening to Terry Pratchett at the moment]

Teens looking for funny, heartfelt, or "I have a report due tomorrow" will scoop this slim volume off the shelf and they won't be disappointed.

Verdict: Proimos' young adult debut is unconventional, interesting, well-written, and unique. There's a few mild instances of bad language and an oblique reference to sex which is later specified. I'd recommend this to older teens and/or reluctant readers.

ISBN: 9781596435957; Published November 2011 by Roaring Brook Press; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library show less

Wonderfully told tale from a young child’s point of view. The author’s father was in Vietnam for a year the year she was in 1st grade. And the story had me feeling angry all over again about Vietnam, and about unnecessary wars, and sad for those they affect. This is a fine story for children who have parents in the military and any children who have temporary separations from parents or other important people. Not for children who have experienced or will experience the death of a parent show more or other people important to them; this story is for temporary separations, not permanent ones. The illustrations really capture the emotions the girl is experiencing and the imagining she is doing. They’re terrific. But it’s the story told through a child’s eyes that is what really shines here. show less