Part guessing-game and part dance, this rollicking picture book takes readers on a wild safari. Lively verses introduce young readers to several familiar jungle inhabitants; bear, monkey, elephant, leopard, and snake, while the inclusion of a vulture adds an exotic touch. Divided into two sections, the first half of the verse describes movements of an animal. “Down in the jungle where the leaves lie deep, / What can you see learning how to leap? . . .” Readers turn the page to discover the animal and the second part of the verse. “IT’S A LEOPARD / She goes leap, leap, boogie, woogie, oogie! / Leap, leap, boogie, woogie, oogie! / Leap, leap, boogie, woogie, oogie! / That’s the way she’s learning how to leap.” The song trots along at sprightly pace; however, speakers may find themselves (or at least their voices) boogie woogied out by the final animal. Harter’s brilliantly colored illustrations are an exuberant extension of the tale. Bright watercolors bring the jungle to life in a riot of vivid hues. A full-bleed, two-page spread accompanies each section of verse. Harter cleverly incorporates the featured animal, partially obscured by the greenery, into the illustration for the guessing portion of the song, providing readers with a visual clue. Her array of multicultural and differently-abled children all partake enthusiastically in the fun, as each section depicts an inquisitive child searching for and later dancing along with the featured animal. A rambunctious read-aloud that is sure to get listeners on their feet and dancing to the beat. A musical score is included. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2000
ISBN: 1-84148-094-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2000
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it.
What happens when a robot washes up alone on an island?
“Everything was just right on the island.” Brown beautifully re-creates the first days of Roz, the protagonist of his Wild Robot novels, as she adapts to living in the natural world. A storm-tossed ship, seen in the opening just before the title page, and a packing crate are the only other human-made objects to appear in this close-up look at the robot and her new home. Roz emerges from the crate, and her first thought as she sets off up a grassy hill—”This must be where I belong”—is sweetly glorious, a note of recognition rather than conquest. Roz learns to move, hide, and communicate like the creatures she meets. When she discovers an orphaned egg—and the gosling Brightbill, who eventually hatches—her decision to be his mother seems a natural extension of her adaptation. Once he flies south for the winter, her quiet wait across seasons for his return is a poignant portrayal of separation and change. Brown’s clean, precise lines and deep, light-filled colors offer a sense of what Roz might be seeing, suggesting a place that is alive yet deeply serene and radiant. Though the book stands alone, it adds an immensely appealing dimension to Roz’s world. Round thumbnails offer charming peeks into the island world, depicting Roz’s animal neighbors and Brightbill’s maturation.
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN: 9780316669467
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
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
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