Mokie and Bik
Brother and sister, twins, and boon companions, Mokie and Bik share fast-paced days of play aboard the Bullfrog, the houseboat where they live with their mother and await their father's return from a long voyage. The harbor setting does more than merely lend a nautical flavor to this short, episodic chapter book; it is an intrinsic part of the story. Mokie and Bik race about the deck, occasionally fall overboard, and have adventures, looking out for each other as best they can. Like many other twins, they have created some of their own words, which may take a little getting used to (fisk = fish, botormike = motorbike, hissers = cats), but in this and other ways, Orr's colorful use of language brings energy to the story. The many crosshatch drawings, large and small, are often graceful and always appealing. A lively, unusual choice for young readers. Phelan, Carolyn