Cinnamon's Day Out: A Gerbil Adventure - Hardcover

For Cinnamon the gerbil, an expedition outside the terrarium proves as thrilling as a safari. This adventure commences with the breathless reunion of Cinnamon and a companion, Snowball, who embrace in front of an exercise wheel. "I've been OUT!" Cinnamon gasps. The relieved rodent explains how, that morning, the "sky" (the screen ceiling of the cage) fell, revealing a "mountain" (of books). Cinnamon recalls a close call with a "wolf," a ride on a (toy) train and a drink from a "pond" that is in fact a dog dish. Roth (My Love for You) shows how the furry fugitive finds a sheltering "barn"?the pantry?and is rescued by "the giant," represented by a pair of hands. In the whimsical multimedia collages, Cinnamon appears almost life-size. Handmade brown paper with fuzzy filaments serves as the gerbil's coat, corrugated cardboard takes the shape of a cat, patterned wallpapers provide appropriate home-decor backdrops, and a real screen and wood shavings recreate the gerbil's own home. With a gentle sense of humor, Roth convincingly narrates from Cinnamon's point of view, inviting readers to identify with the small creature even as they reappraise the wide world around them. A just-right blend of excitement and stability. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreSACurious Cinnamon shares a tale of escape and capture with cagemate Snowball. After nibbling its way out of the cage and into the big world, Cinnamon successfully negotiates a "mountain," a "wolf," a "meadow," etc. Finally, the runaway is captured in the cupboard by a "giant." Borne aloft by a huge hand, Cinnamon "flies" back to the cage and to a welcome-home hug. These exciting exploits are described using the language and perspective of a young child; listeners will appreciate both the humor and the satisfying conclusion. Sentences are completed by turning each page, effectively producing a preschool cliff-hanger; their brevity and construction approximate a breathless youngster's telling. The wood shavings, corrugated paper, and especially the fluff on Cinnamon's chest provide great tactile appeal in this mixed-media collage and the primary colors, basic shapes, and familiar household objects are suitable, simple, and straightforward. An engaging but safely vicarious adventure for the youngest audience, this will be a welcome addition to preschool collections.ACarol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.