Tony Johnston Reviews

Added July 1, 2007

That Summer

Author: Tony Johnston
Illustrator: Bary Moser
Publisher: Voyager Books, an imprint Harcourt Inc.
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: June 2007
Genre: Children: Storybook
Format: Trade paper
Price: $6.00
ISBN-10: 0152058567
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-205856-2
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Death and children are two subjects that don't seem to go together, yet author Tony Johnston has written a sensitive story that may help young readers cope with the loss of a loved one.

Two brothers start off the summer, full of "hoots and shouts" and running like there was no tomorrow. Yet, by the Fourth of July, one of the boys was seriously ill, causing the dreams for this season to become clouded by sorrow. The ailment is never mentioned, highlighting instead the emotions that surround the brothers and their family. The brief narrative says a lot in a few words, while the unique illustrations speak of special memories.

This gentle story is bittersweet, as the plans for summer get tangled up in a sadness that won't go away. Writing from the perspective of the healthy brother, these words convey a level of compassion and understanding that goes beyond his years. The author briefly sketches moments from "that summer", painting scenes that are indelible and irreplaceable. The illustrations, which look like black and white photos, lend a special, nostalgic feel to the story.

Although readers will be aware that the boy's death is imminent, the emotional journey to that moment is filled with love and caring. I heartily recommend Tony Johnston's careful and compassionate treatment of this subject for young hearts that may someday feel the sting of separation.

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Added November 14, 2006

The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall

Author: Tony Johnston
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc.
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: August 2006
Genre: Middle Reader: Fantasy
Format: Trade paper
Price: $5.95
ISBN: 0-15-205625-4
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall is a bite-sized treat for young readers! The legend of The Sword in the Stone comes to life in - of all places- a grammar school's bathroom. This delightful spoof brings a bit of the past to the present with the perfect touch of humor and wisdom.

Martha Snapdragon, the janitor's daughter, lives with her father in the boiler room underneath the Bloggins School. Although her school isn't exactly normal, (especially if you consider the dancing dragon eggs!) Martha longs for something special to happen. A nasty principal and an even nastier class bully create hazards for the students, and makes Martha long for a hero to save the day. When a giant jeweled spoon sticks out of the bathroom wall, she wonders if her savior might be connected to this strange piece of silverware.

Delightful characters cause the legend of King Arthur to take on a wonderful new relevance. While their names subtly reflect the ancient heroes, their actions are modern day and meaningful. The quest for power, as seen in the school hierarchy, is treated with sensitivity and a great deal of creativity. Young students will watch the unveiling of the school champion with a mixture of surprise and satisfaction. The author's messages of hope and perseverance are cleverly shown through a fast paced plot and fun dialogue. Humor dances through these pages, mixing a lighthearted touch with the larger relationship issues.

Offbeat, yet with plenty of insights, this novel will both please and tease young readers!

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