The Thumb in the Box. Ken Roberts. Toronto, ON: Groundwood, 2001. 95 pp. pbk. $7.95. ISBN 0-88899-422-2. Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11. Review by Shelly Tyler. *** /4

excerpt:

On the night of the fire that starts this story, I was eleven years old, walking slowly along the wooden sidewalk closest to the water. I remember looking down at the planks, staring at every loose nail and clump of moss. I was probably grinning. People say I grinned all the time, like I had a secret.

Leon is a young boy who lives in a small town on the coast of British Columbia. The village is so small it only has two large buildings and runs the length of a football field. After a fire breaks out, the town is worried as the community doesn't even have a fire department. Putting their heads together, the townspeople decide they need to get a saltwater pump in case a fire ever happens again. Their plan entails contacting their local Member of Parliament in the hope that he will fund the new pump. What they find out is that not only will the Government fund a new pump, they are sending a fire truck, complete with ladders, a hose and the much needed pump!

     The town must now prepare for the delivery of their new fire truck which means their building a fire station to house it. A builder is brought in from Vancouver to construct the hall, and along with his tools, he brings his "severed" thumb...in a box!

"I can take my thumb off," said Little Charlie quietly. "My thumb and I were rushed to a hospital, where doctors stuffed it, drilled two little holes in each side and pushed tiny flesh-colored screws in place. I can take my thumb off and show it to you if you want."

     The removable thumb, the friendly builder and a master plan by the resourceful townspeople, make this story a fun read. With six chapters, it is a perfect length for a first time chapter book reader. Kids will enjoy reading this book, with its well-described cast of characters and easy-flowing story.

Recommended.

Shelly Tyler is a Reference Librarian with the Manitoba Department of Education Library in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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