Buster's World

Buster's real world is almost too grim, and so his escapes are extra fanciful. For example, when there is no money for new pants, Buster settles for long, colorful socks to bridge the gap between pant-leg and sandal-top. His father is a conjurer (as was his father's father), who spends the family income on new magic tricks or liquor. Buster, too, would like to be a magician, and entertains people with his tricks, though some are not amused. But his elderly friend Mrs. Larsen cherishes Buster, and he excels in these moments of genuine approval. The novel, with its Danish backdrop, is a source of many surprising pieces of plotting; one of the funniest involves Buster and his third (artificial) arm, which falls off in a confrontation with a bully. Buster is a funny, utterly childlike hero and while many of his exploits may not be comfortably digested by American readers, the bulk of this underdog's story is comically exuberant. Ages 9-up. (Aug.)