Delightful and fun!
Penguins aren’t mammoths!
When a diverse threesome of researchers and a small, tan-skinned child set out to see penguins in the Antarctic, the child has other ideas: “But I’m going to see a MAMMOTH.” Venturing out alone, the protagonist stumbles across…a mammoth skateboarding! But mammoths are extinct, says one of the researchers. And when they were alive, they weren’t found in the Antarctic. Perhaps the child really saw a penguin? But this only makes the protagonist more determined to prove themself right. Again and again it happens, only this time the child sees the mammoth skateboarding while wearing a frilly pink tutu; later the mammoth adds a scuba mask to the ensemble (while submerged underwater). Will no one believe the child? A tantrum leads to an avalanche of a result—and finally the protagonist’s claims are proven true. The mammoth departs, returning home to their cave to boldly state, “I DID see a human!” to a trio of adults. A final note reminds readers that mammoths were traditionally found in the Northern Hemisphere while penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere, but just because there’s never been any evidence of Antarctic mammoths, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep looking. It’s a funny tale and one that storytellers will have a lot of fun telling—the child’s wild declarations and outraged indignation are supported by colorful and zany illustrations. Savvy educators and caregivers might see this as a humorous introduction to heavier themes of extinction, conservation, and climate change. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Delightful and fun! (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-68464-511-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022
This frenetic ode to fatherhood is predictable fare but may please series fans.
It’s time to look for the elusive Daddysaurus.
In this latest installment in the seemingly never-ending series about a group of diverse kids attempting to trap mythical creatures, the youngsters are now on the lookout for a big mauve dinosaur with an emblazoned D on his stomach and a superhero cape. The fast-moving Daddysaurus is always on the go; he will be difficult to catch. Armed with blueprints of possible ideas, the kids decide which traps to set. As in previous works, ones of the sticky variety seem popular. They cover barbells with fly paper (Daddysaurus like to exercise) and spread glue on the handle of a shovel (Daddysaurus also likes to garden). One clever trick involves tempting Daddysaurus with a drawing of a hole, taped to the wall, because he fixes everything that breaks. Daddysaurus is certainly engaged in the children’s lives, not a workaholic or absent, but he does fall into some standard tropes associated with fathers. The rhyming quatrains stumble at times but for the most part bounce along. Overall, though, text and art feel somewhat formulaic and likely will tempt only devotees of the series. The final page of the book (after Daddysaurus is caught with love) has a space for readers to write a note or draw a picture of their own Daddysaurus. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
This frenetic ode to fatherhood is predictable fare but may please series fans. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 1, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-72826-618-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily.
A group of young “dinosauruses” go out into the world on their own.
A fuchsia little Hugasaurus and her Pappysaur (both of whom resemble Triceratops) have never been apart before, but Hugasaurus happily heads off with lunchbox in hand and “wonder in her heart” to make new friends. The story has a first-day-of-school feeling, but Hugasaurus doesn’t end up in a formal school environment; rather, she finds herself on a playground with other little prehistoric creatures, though no teacher or adult seems to be around. At first, the new friends laugh and play. But Hugasaurus’ pals begin to squabble, and play comes to a halt. As she wonders what to do, a fuzzy platypus playmate asks some wise questions (“What…would your Pappy say to do? / What makes YOU feel better?”), and Hugasaurus decides to give everyone a hug—though she remembers to ask permission first. Slowly, good humor is restored and play begins anew with promises to be slow to anger and, in general, to help create a kinder world. Short rhyming verses occasionally use near rhyme but also include fun pairs like ripples and double-triples. Featuring cozy illustrations of brightly colored creatures, the tale sends a strong message about appropriate and inappropriate ways to resolve conflict, the final pages restating the lesson plainly in a refrain that could become a classroom motto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-82869-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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