From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Lester first introduced these characters in Clive Eats Alligators (Houghton, 1986; o.p.), and this book is their sixth adventure together. Here, Ernie is going to live in an area of the Australian Outback for a year, and will write a postcard during each of the area's six seasons. With each postcard comes a little vignette of the boy's new friends engaging in typical activities for that time and place, with one child being showcased at the end of each section. The text is appropriately simple-"Patrick spears a barramundi" needs no embellishment for dramatic effect-and serves primarily to support the illustrations. Lester's watercolor and fine black-line creations are crisp and engaging. They portray happy children having fun and at the same time convey a wealth of information about life in Arnhem Land. This is a nicely designed, informative, and enjoyable addition, perfect for use with multicultural units. An author's note, glossary, and pronunciation guide are included.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Read more From Booklist Ages 4-7. The gang from Celeste Sails to Spain (1999) and other adventures returns in this entertaining picture book. This time the friends bid farewell to Ernie as he departs for a year's stay in Arnhem Land, an aboriginal reserve in Australia's Northern Territory. Ernie writes each of his six friends a letter describing one of Arnhem Land's six seasons and relating the activities of his new friends. Lester's colorful, snapshot-size illustrations depict the activities, a few familiar (catching frogs and playing football) and many new and different. The ending double-spread shows Ernie's American friends playing Arnhem Land style: "Celeste is a stilt dancer. Clive wears body paint. Rosie makes damper." There isn't a lot of information here, but the book provides bits and pieces about the climate and some aspects of the aboriginal culture. A glossary explains new terms. Lauren PetersonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Read more See all Editorial Reviews
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