HELLO, MAMA WALLAROO

Name: HELLO, MAMA WALLAROO
Author: Darrin Lunde
ISBN: 978-1-57091-796-7

by Darrin Lunde ; illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2013

Tots who have enjoyed the earlier titles with find this a satisfying introduction to an animal whose name they will also...

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Preschoolers may think they know about kangaroos, but have they ever heard of or seen a common wallaroo, a kind of kangaroo? In this simple informational text, they get to meet one and conduct an interview with her.

Lunde and Wynne have used this format in three previous books (Hello, Baby Beluga, 2011, etc.), and it is an effective way to convey basic facts such as: “[W]here do you live?” (Australia); “what do you eat?” (grass); and “what do you fear?” (dingoes that try to eat her). With the circle of life alluded to—and the very youngest naturalists need not worry, as Mama Wallaroo hops away when she sees dingoes—they next get to ask what is in her pouch (a baby). The questions appear in large type, with Mama’s responses set off in smaller type. Mama and her habitat are realistically depicted in pencil, ink and watercolor illustrations that have plenty of “awww” power. The last spread notes that there are “about fifty different kinds of kangaroo-like animals in Australia” and provides a few more details about joeys and male wallaroos.

Tots who have enjoyed the earlier titles with find this a satisfying introduction to an animal whose name they will also love repeating. (Informational picture book. 2-5)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-57091-796-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Review Posted Online: June 11, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
WHOSE EGG IS THAT?
by Darrin Lunde ; illustrated by Kelsey Oseid

- BOOK REVIEW
WHOSE FOOTPRINT IS THAT?
by Darrin Lunde ; illustrated by Kelsey Oseid

- BOOK REVIEW
WHOSE POOP IS THAT?
by Darrin Lunde ; illustrated by Kelsey Oseid

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

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HAPPY EASTER, LITTLE POOKIE

From the Little Pookie series

by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2023

An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.

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Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.

Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)