Maybe not a first purrchase but an enjoyable addition to noisy storytimes.
It’s really a simple instruction: Say “meow!”
The leader of a group of cavorting kitties looks out at readers and declares, “Welcome to that magical time when everybody says, ‘Meow!’ ” All the kitties comply, but a pup leans in from off the page to say, “Woof.” The lead kitty patiently repeats the instruction, but the pup can say only “Woof.” The kitty gives in and amends the instruction: “Everybody says, ‘Meow’ [and] one guy says, ‘Woof.’ ” But then a frog leans in, croaking, “Ribbit.” After a short froggy interview, the instruction is changed again, now accommodating dog and frog. However, a “Quack” from a duckling in a hat disrupts the process yet again. So the final instruction is: “Welcome to the magical time when everybody says whatever they want!” That goes fine…but a “ROAR” startles everyone, and they all scatter, leaving a little lion to wonder if it said the wrong thing. Readers never learn the reason why this is “the magical time” to meow in Lombardo’s foolish furry picture book, but little listeners will likely enjoy the constant animal interruptions. The pleasantly silly illustrations feature simple, cartoon creatures with huge eyes and a two-dimensional appearance cavorting on a green lawn. The messages of inclusion and acceptance are welcome.
Maybe not a first purrchase but an enjoyable addition to noisy storytimes. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-268988-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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