Little Joe (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Little Joe Karen Coats Wallace, Sandra Neil. Little Joe; illus. by Mark Elliott. Knopf, 2010. [192p.] Library ed. ISBN 978-0-375-96097-0 $18.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-375-86097-3 $15.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-375-89707-8 $15.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 4-5. Eli is utterly enchanted with his first bull calf, Little Joe, born on Christmas Eve and destined to become a handsome specimen, maybe even a prize-winner. First, though, Eli has to raise his new charge right, which requires a lot of patience and perseverance. Helped by his knowledgeable grandfather, Eli learns the wonder and lore of tending to his animal, and he also discovers why his father seems so angry and quiet all the time. Straightforward prose, linear storytelling, and ample details guide readers through Eli's year with Little Joe, providing a thorough if somewhat cleaned-up view of life on a farm. The characters are effective but archetypal—gruff father, obstreperous little sister, supportive mother, cute girl next door, rowdy boy neighbor, and especially the infinitely patient and good-natured grandfather—which makes for undemanding reading for those new to novels. With nary an electronic device or magical power in sight, this gentle narrative chronicles a year in a life lived close to the land and full of real responsibilities and culminates with a happy surprise for Eli and Little Joe, courtesy of Grandpa. Give this to tweens drawn to animals but not yet ready for the emotional challenges of Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows. Elliott's soft, homey illustrations add warmth to an already heartwarming story. Copyright © 2010 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois