August 1, 2010
Gr 4-6-This is a sweet book about the relationships among three generations of farmers-Eli Stegner, his father, and his grandfather. It is also about Eli's connection to the first calf he gets to call his own. Little Joe is destined to be a winner at the county fair cattle show, but that blue ribbon will pretty much insure that he goes to the highest bidder and then to the butcher. Such is the reality of farm life. However, Eli and Joe are in for a happy ending, as are the boy and his father, whose relationship evolves from one of prickly distance to mutual understanding, thanks to the gentle influence of Eli's grandfather. A helpful diagram shows the parts of a beef animal. This thoughtful, tender book will appeal to those readers who are familiar with the Stegners' world, and many more will be able to identify with the highs and lows of familial love.-Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2010
Grades 3-5 Nine-year-old Eli, excited to be raising his first Angus calf, dubs the young bull Little Joe. Dad cautions against getting attached (No use naming something thats gonna get eaten), while Eli worries about living up to Dads standards at the fair. Luckily, Grandpa is more understanding, teaching Eli the finer points of showing cattle, reassuring him when Dad is too punitive, and purchasing the prize steer to keep it out of the food chain. Wallace sets her story in rural Pennsylvania, where spring peepers and spotted salamanders still cross country roads and swimming holes are a welcome summer respite. Characters are well drawn, especially Eli, Dad, Grandpa, and Keller, a neer-do-well friend who raises pigs. Animal lovers will be fascinated by the details of raising beef cattle as well as the economic realities of modern farm life. Elliotts pencil sketches decorate each chapter heading and highlight key scenes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)
September 1, 2010
When nine-year-old Eli helps deliver his first Angus bull calf, he learns that it will be his to raise and show at the county fair. In honor of his Grandpa Joe, Eli ironically names the large calf Little Joe. Eli's Pa and Grandpa use their respective gruff and loving ways to teach him how to care for Little Joe. Then they help Eli train the bull calf for competition at the fair, where Eli hopes to earn a blue ribbon. The one thing Eli doesn't want to think about is after the fair when Little Joe will be sold at auction for breeding or slaughter. The book hints that the story takes place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where farming is still very much a part of the economy, and debut author Wallace has paid close attention to details concerning modern beef farming. Elliott's illustrations complement the tender friendship that emerges between Eli and Little Joe while highlighting prominent scenes in the narrative. Although the book might have benefited from a glossary (it often takes for granted a knowledge of farming jargon), this touching story of one boy's unconditional devotion to his calf is ideally suited for readers with an interest in farming, animals, and country life. cynthia k. ritter
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
January 1, 2011
Nine-year-old Eli, helped by his father and grandfather, prepares bull calf Little Joe to show at the county fair. This touching story of one boy's unconditional devotion to his calf is ideally suited for readers with an interest in farming, animals, and country life. Elliott's illustrations complement the tender friendship that emerges between Eli and Little Joe.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)