Sophie and the Sidewalk Man
Grade 3-4-- Tolan has written a meaningful novel that is infused with the spirit of Christmas, but her story of an eight-year-old girl's compassion for a homeless man is too good to stow away in holiday collections. More than anything, Sophie wants an expensive stuffed hedgehog, christened Weldon, that she talks to through the shop window in which it is displayed. Saving her money carefully, and always trying to earn more, Sophie worries that Weldon will be sold. In the meantime, she has noticed a street person who sits by a sign that says, ``I'm hungry. Please help.'' As she foregoes lunch to save money for the coveted toy, she learns the meaning of hunger and becomes concerned about the man. A turning point occurs when she sees him give half of his limp sandwich to a stray cat, and she makes a difficult but caring and mature choice. The black-and-white line drawings, although simple, are realistic and complement the emotions of the text. This story will really hit home, right where kids' feelings are. It's an excellent read-aloud and a fine basis for discussion. --Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, IDCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.