An insufficient attempt to address the complexity of identity.
A puppy play date leads to an uncomfortable question.
Though the dogs—a puggle and two poodle siblings—are having fun, the play stops abruptly when the poodles ask the puggle, “What are you?” Unsatisfied by the puggle’s answer of “dog,” the poodles inquire about the puggle’s parents—a combination of pug mother and beagle father—and attempt to justify their preconceived notions about pugs and beagles. The puggle disrupts the stereotypes by turning the question back on the poodles, asking what they are good at (many things) and if this is because of their breed. Affirming that their abilities are not intrinsic but are the result of interest and effort, the poodles realize the same is true of the puggle. The friends play once more until they notice two White human children asking the same question of a brown child; the poodles offer to disrupt the interaction. Trimmer endeavors to confront, and possibly reclaim, a dehumanizing question. Coupled with Curato’s soft, muted illustrations, the book may appeal to families seeking an indirect approach to conversations about identity. However, the work only grazes the surface when it comes to the experiences of biracial people and other people of color. Further, the choice to use purebred poodles and a designer mixed-breed dog as stand-ins for, respectively, White children and a biracial child may introduce more stereotypes than it breaks down—namely, the idea that biracial people are exotic or other. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An insufficient attempt to address the complexity of identity. (discussion questions for children and caregivers) (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-250-78602-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
