An arboreal appreciation, told with sensitive prose and detailed illustrations.
The fall of a mighty tree is an epochal event, but not a sad one.
After flourishing for over 400 years, Old Oak is understandably tired, and one morning, she crashes to the ground, causing Owl, who lives in her trunk, to take flight. A dozen squirrels assemble and thank Old Oak for the “acorns, leaf buds, and catkins” that she had supplied. “An eclipse of moths” and many bright butterflies express their appreciation for the homes the tree provided. Rabbits, deer, bears, possum, and acorn weevils pay tribute, joined by wild turkeys and other assorted birds who create “a symphony of crowing, whistling, and lively trills.” But even after falling, Old Oak still has a crucial role to play as creatures find a home in her downed trunk (known as a nurse log); as the book closes, a new generation of seedlings spring up amid the light pouring through the breached canopy. Schimler-Safford’s colorful, stylized, mixed-media art emphasizes textures: striated owl feathers, squirrels’ brindled fur, and, especially, the rough oak bark, set against yellow, green, purple, and orange leaves and flowers. The final pages provide information on the importance of oaks, their life spans, the nurturing work of nurse logs, and how to read tree rings. An accurate presentation of forest ecology mingles with anthropomorphized forest creatures, who gather with conscious gratitude to celebrate Old Oak’s countless contributions to their lives.
An arboreal appreciation, told with sensitive prose and detailed illustrations. (Informational picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: tomorrow
ISBN: 9798888596579
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2025
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends
Gerald the elephant learns a truth familiar to every preschooler—heck, every human: “Waiting is not easy!”
When Piggie cartwheels up to Gerald announcing that she has a surprise for him, Gerald is less than pleased to learn that the “surprise is a surprise.” Gerald pumps Piggie for information (it’s big, it’s pretty, and they can share it), but Piggie holds fast on this basic principle: Gerald will have to wait. Gerald lets out an almighty “GROAN!” Variations on this basic exchange occur throughout the day; Gerald pleads, Piggie insists they must wait; Gerald groans. As the day turns to twilight (signaled by the backgrounds that darken from mauve to gray to charcoal), Gerald gets grumpy. “WE HAVE WASTED THE WHOLE DAY!…And for WHAT!?” Piggie then gestures up to the Milky Way, which an awed Gerald acknowledges “was worth the wait.” Willems relies even more than usual on the slightest of changes in posture, layout and typography, as two waiting figures can’t help but be pretty static. At one point, Piggie assumes the lotus position, infuriating Gerald. Most amusingly, Gerald’s elephantine groans assume weighty physicality in spread-filling speech bubbles that knock Piggie to the ground. And the spectacular, photo-collaged images of the Milky Way that dwarf the two friends makes it clear that it was indeed worth the wait.
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends . (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-9957-1
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2014
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
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