Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that, aside from the Water Horse eating a swan, there is little to be concerned about here.
Families who read this book could discuss the Loch Ness Monster. Do you think it could be real? Why or why not? How might a story like this have gotten started? Your children might be interested in doing a little research, and seeing the supposed photos of the monster. See the links in the Relateds section below.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
Dick King-Smith's specialty is gentle, fairly easy-to-read animal stories, and this one, though it's about a mythical creature, follows his tried-and-true formula. Though it lacks most of the elements most authors seem to think are absolutely necessary -- a villain, suspense, breathtaking drama, potty humor, nasty or heroic kids, ineffectual adults -- it's as pleasurable and satisfying in its calm, reassuring way as a cold evening in front of a warm fire. Let the winds of adventure, fantasy, and mystery rattle the trees outside -- in here we're snug and toasty.
The movie version (out Christmas Day 2007) will pander to us with lots of special effects, excitement, adventure, broad humor, dramatic music, etc., and there's probably nothing wrong with that. But there's something so reassuring about a writer who can make a story this delightful and fun without all the bells and whistles. Just a little light humor, likable characters, an engrossing setup, a little authorial magic, and presto -- a satisfying read.
From The Book
"Always there've been tales of sightings of such a beastie, sometimes at sea, more often in a loch," said Grumble. "Oh, when I was a boy, how I longed to see the kelpie."
"Is that what it's called?" said Kirstie.
"That's one name for it," said Grumble, "but the other is the one that I like. Most folks call it the Water Horse."
Plot Summary:
When Kirstie finds what appears to be an unusually large fish egg on the beach below her house, she takes it home and pops it in the bathtub. When a strange creature emerges from it, she and Angus feed it sardines. Their grandfather, Grumble, recognizes it as a mythical Water Horse, and they name it Crusoe.
To get it out of the tub, they put it in a goldfish pond. Soon, though, it grows too large, and the pond is in danger of freezing, so they move it to a nearby lochan. But as he continues to grow at an alarming rate they face another problem -- how to keep the friendly beast, who associates humans with food and companionship, hidden. And where can they take him next?
Related Books:
Other Books by Dick King-Smith:
Babe, The Gallant Pig
The Cuckoo Child
Lady Daisy
Sophie Hits Six
Animal Stories
Charlie Muffin's Miracle Mouse
Spider Sparrow
More on Nessie:
Beastie by Georgess McHargue
The Boggart and the Monster by Susan Cooper
Nice Monsters:
Kneeknock Rise by Natalie Babbitt
My Friend, the Monster by Clyde Robert Bulla
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes
The Dragonling by Jackie French Koller
Adam Draws Himself a Dragon by Irina Korschunow
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
Corydon & the Island of Monsters: The Corydon Trilogy, Book 1 by Tobias Druitt
Nessie Web sites:
Official British Site
Nova Site
Loch Ness Visitor's Center
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ViolenceThe Water Horse eats a swan and other birds. |
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Social Behavior |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoThe grandfather offers the postman a "wee dram." |
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