Tricking the Tallyman

Starred review from March 1, 2009
Gr 1-4-This lively, engaging picture book is an outstanding introduction to the concept of census taking and its role in the implementation of the new United States Constitution. One day in 1790, Phineus Bump rides into Tunbridge, VT. He is an honorable man who takes his duties seriously, yet he wishes to return home to his loved ones, whom he hasn't seen in three months. His job is to count every man, woman, and child in town and report back to the government. But folks are skeptical: Will the numbers be used to establish taxation or conscription, or, as rumors are saying, representation in the new government? They aren't taking any chances and set out to trick the Tallyman, going from one extreme to the other and delaying his completion of the task. Finally, a real understanding of the man's mission allows them to be counted "fair and true." Schindler's exceptional illustrations, mainly in earth tones, depict indoor and outdoor scenes that are full of activity. Children will delight in finding hidden treasures in the pages. Especially noticeable is a look of consternation on a turkey whose feathers have recently been turned into writing quills. Charming and humorous, this book is certain to appeal to childrenand to educators.C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2009
Grades 1-3 The audience for this title will not know the term tallyman, but this story cleverly sums it up. Who will outsmart whomPhineas Bump, the 1790 U.S. census taker who rides into Tunbridge, Vermont, heartsick, saddle-sore, and down on his luck but determined to count the people for his job, or the townsfolk who dont want to be counted because they think theyll have to pay more taxes? When young rascal Boston Pepper gets an idea, it switches their thinking: more people would mean more government representation and more votes to get things done! Overnight, Phineas goes from knocking on doors of empty houses to being welcomed by Mrs. Pepper, whose family has suddenly multiplied (thanks to numerous animals dressed as humans), and its a win-win situation. The detailed illustrations underscore the humor while the colloquial dialogue adds flavor; Cheese and chowder! exclaimed Mrs. Pepper. Count on teachers zeroing in on this nifty number.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
"Tallyman" Phineas Bump's arrival in 1790 Tunbridge, Vermont, causes consternation. Afraid that a higher count will mean higher taxes, Mrs. Pepper claims herself as the sole inhabitant. Upon learning that the number will also determine representation in Congress, she demands a re-count. In Schindler's detailed illustrations showing meticulous renditions of early settlements, historical features coexist comfortably with tall-tale humor.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

May 1, 2009
Phineas Bump's unexpected arrival in the hamlet of Tunbridge, Vermont, causes consternation: the "tallyman" is one of 650 marshals trying to count the inhabitants of the new United States, but what will be the local repercussions of this 1790 census? Afraid that a higher count will mean higher taxes, Mrs. Pepper hides her children and claims herself as the sole inhabitant of Tunbridge. Courteous but suspicious, Phineas sticks around. Sure enough, once young Boston Pepper hears that the count will determine representation in Congress, mother and son contrive to get a re-count for which everyone in town shows up, including not only numerous Peppers but a slew of clothed and bonneted animals, for a grand total of 1,726. News that taxes, too, will hinge on census results finally gets Phineas an accurate tally. Schindler's energetic characterizations and detailed illustrations resemble Peter Spier's meticulous renditions of early settlements, their historical features coexisting comfortably with the tall-tale humor. The narrative is long but lively, its entertaining dialogue enriched by information (extended in an endnote) on that first census. It's odd that Davies places events in Vermont, which didn't become the fourteenth state until 1791, when its first census was actually taken; still, that's a small flaw in an engaging story.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)