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Book Review of Something Special

Something Special
Something Special
Author: David M. McPhail
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: School Library Binding
reviewed on + 552 more book reviews


Age Range: 5 to 8
Annotation
Surrounded by parents and siblings with remarkable talents, Sam yearns to be good at something himself, and finds his own special niche when he discovers the pleasures of painting.

From The Critics
Publishers Weekly
McPhail's typically endearing animal characters tell how Sam--the only one in his family without an apparent talent--discovers his special niche. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1 Everyone in Sam's raccoon family has a special talentone sister plays the piano, another plays first base, his brother is a computer whiz, his father is a wonderful cook, his mother carves wooden birds, his grandmother is a knitter, and even his dog can balance a bone on his nose. Sam fails at everything. At last he discovers his own special talentpainting, which wins him self-respect and the admiration of others. Expressive full-color ink-and-wash illustrations are uncluttered yet filled with humorous detail and serve as the perfect extension to the simple text. A reassuring story told with humor and a light touch, sure to be a comfort to young siblings seeking the special string to their bow. Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, Calif.