Taking Care of Crumley

Description

Contains Illustrations
$14.95
ISBN 0-919964-75-3

Author

Publisher

Year

1984

Contributor

Illustrations by Tina Holdcroft
Reviewed by Joan Weller

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

Review

The theme of this first-person narrative picture book is bullying. Cyril, the victim, lashes back at his adversaries, Ugly Augie and his Goons, with the help of his girlfriend, Maggie. She hatches the ideas; he activates them. Her final solution, an offering of money mushed with poison ivy, frightens off the bullies but backfires when Cyril and Maggie are both hoist by their own petard. The book’s worthwhile theme is marred by an awkward plot, harsh dialogue, and poor characterization. Unattractive, repetitive, and garish illustrations do nothing to enhance its appeal.

Citation

Staunton, Ted, “Taking Care of Crumley,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 2, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/37493.