Sirko and the Wolf

Kindergarten-Grade 4. Kimmel successfully employs a storyteller's voice to beckon readers to sit and listen to this dramatic story. His yarn-spinning skill is evident throughout the satisfying tale that explains why dogs and wolves will be friends forever. Sirko, a sheepdog, has guarded the flocks for years. Now he is too old. His master's wife suggests that they get rid of him and get a new dog. Instead, the farmer secretly grants freedom to his faithful friend. A wolf hears the abandoned Sirko's howls and promises to help?"Because we are cousins." The wolf stages an attack on the farmer's baby, with Sirko cast as the courageous rescuer. The sheepdog is immediately restored to a place of honor. Soon an opportunity arrives for Sirko to repay the kindness. The characters are shaped by the rich, evocative illustrations. Sauber's pictures reflect the mood, from the first bright pastoral view of Sirko tending the flock, to darker, subdued tones, as the dog is cast out. The textured paintings of embroidered costumes and hand-carved furnishings, plus the decorative lettering, provide just the right detail. Consider pairing Sirko with Jan Brett's The First Dog (Harcourt, 1988), another picture book that explores what, for most youngsters, is a very inviting topic.?Sarabeth Kalajian, Venice Public Library, FL
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Sirko is a faithful dog who has served his master; but now that he's old, his master's wife doesn't want to keep him. Sirko has only his wolf friend to help when he is abandoned in this Ukrainian tale, which requires good reading skills from kids. -- Midwest Book Review