The Brass Ring

From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 2?With its clearly defined text and bright primary colors, this picture book appeals to the eye from beginning to end. The concept of maturing can be seen throughout in the actions of the main character as she discusses being "big" as opposed to "little." She describes things she does on her beach vacation that at one time were impossible?running, riding a bike, meeting new friends, building sand castles, and riding the carousel. She is especially proud of being able to grab the prize brass ring as she whizzes by on her preferred horse, Thunder. The text contains a lot of repetition, which makes it easy for children to follow, and the large print is excellent for beginning readers. The girl's descriptions of herself as a younger tot help readers relate to their own past and the fact that time changes circumstances. The colored pencil, watercolor, and black-pen illustrations are full of motion. A winning selection.?Kathy Mitchell, Gadsden Co. Public Library, Quincy, FLCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the