Letters

Lee Bock's thoughtless review of Beekman & Hathaway's critically-acclaimed new children's picture book, Robert Frost's The Cow in Apple Time illustrated by Dean Yeagle pales in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive reaction the book has received at numerous publishing conferences and in other journals.

For example, The Cow in Apple Time is currently featured as one of the 12 best new books published in the United States this Fall in “Teachers' Picks: What Educators Love for Fun and Learning [Best New Books],” in Scholastic Parent & Child, September/October 2005, p. 20, where it is described as “A perfect introduction to poetry!” Elsewhere, Stephanie Izarek, SP&C's Executive Editor, described The Cow in Apple Time as “a beautiful, fantastic book.”

Instead of reflecting poorly on the book, Ms. Bock's criticisms expose her own lack of understanding of Frost's poem, Dean Yeagle's brilliant illustration of it, and the exigencies of bringing the work of this famously economical writer to life. A slavish following of Frost's text in the illustrations was neither desirable nor possible. (For example, the word “apple” never appears in the poem.) Rather, our goal was to bring The Cow in Apple Time to life for young children, who see the poem as a story about a cow that eats apples, acts silly, and then doesn't give milk. To do so, we chose to emphasize the comic, playful aspect of the poem in the illustrations, which place the action in the context of a typical New England farm—very much like the one Frost himself farmed.

Above all, our mission was to make a brilliant poem by Robert Frost fun, and as accessible as possible, to young American children. It is disgraceful that Bock's thoughtlessness may prevent some of them from discovering and benefitting from this jewel of American cultural patrimony. —Dr. Christopher D. Comer, Publisher Beekman & Hathaway Amherst, MA

Italian-American Stereotypes

As a national organization of Italian American educators, we are shocked and stunned by Barbara Auerbach's positive review of Steven Schirippa and Charles Fleming's Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family.

In classic children's literature, the young protagonists learn positive life lessons (e.g., Huckleberry Finn, The Wizard of Oz, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Sounder, A Day No Pigs Would Die, Harry Potter, etc.)

In Nicky Deuce, however, the young hero's visit to his backward Brooklyn relatives is a “dumbing down” experience. Instead of learning about Rome, the Renaissance, and the founding of the American Republic (all products of Italian culture), little Nick Borelli learns how to lie, cheat, and watch “The Sopranos.”

Quick reality check: As educators, many of our members can testify, first-hand, to how nice, middle-class, intelligent Italian American students are frequently branded as “goombas” (i.e., morons) by both teachers and fellow students—largely based on the gross stereotypes put forth in Steve Schirippa's book.

Mr. Schirippa is no Judy Blume. Rather, he is a two-bit actor—and not even a real Italian!—trying to capitalize on his recurring role on a violent adult TV drama (“The Sopranos”). To associate this fictional Goomba Land, even indirectly, with the innocent world of children's literature is simply beyond the pale.

Nicky Deuce should have been titled “Nicky Dunce.” And people like Ms. Auerbach need to start “thinking outside of the pizza box” when it comes to appreciating the true depth and dignity of the Italian American experience.—Bill Dal Cerro, National Vice President, Italic Institute of America, Floral Park, NY

Our Reviewer Replies

I can understand Mr. Dal Cerro's knee-jerk reactions to the obvious, but this book is mostly about the boy's family and false perceptions. His uncle is actually a police detective, not a mobster. By the end of the story, Nicky and his upper-crust dad both realize that their Brooklyn relatives have a lot more to offer than they ever imagined. This novel does not glorify crime; it glorifies family.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools, Brooklyn, NY

The photo of Marilyn Singer on the October 2005 Contributors' page (p. 9) was taken by Sonya Sones.

The red star and boxed shading were omitted from the starred review of Elizabeth Partridge's John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth (Viking, 2005; Oct. p. 192).

The title of Anna Kirwan's book in the “Portraits” series, Searching for the Past (Scholastic, 2005; Nov. p. 138) was changed. The correct title is Of Flowers and Shadows.