A delightful tale of friendship.
In three sweet, funny stories, a calm crocodile and an excitable alligator complement each other perfectly.
In “Ally Has Spots,” Ally the gator is upset to discover they have orange spots and further dismayed when Croc delivers the news that they will not wash off: “They are part of you.” To make Ally feel better, Croc agrees to be painted with orange spots to match Ally. In “Ally Is Ready!” Ally is outfitted in a suit of armor, armed with an umbrella and a flashlight, and claims to be ready for anything, but when Croc heads off for lunch, Ally throws off the gear and follows. Finally, in “The Best in the World,” Ally, inspired by a video of a high-jumping frog, longs to be the best at something. Ally fails at everything they try—except, Croc counters, “being Ally.” These two have the vibe of some of the best early reader duos; like Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie, they have deep affection for each other and support each other’s efforts, as silly as they may seem. Ally is lively and emotional, while Croc is steady and philosophical, gently delivering lessons to a receptive Ally—and the reader, too. The cartoonish figures in slightly different shades of green (again, like Frog and Toad) display facial expressions and body language that will help early readers make sense of their dialogue, and the humor stands up to rereading. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A delightful tale of friendship. (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: July 26, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-38762-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
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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