It’s just fine, but there’s not a lot to make noise about.
Dinosaur enthusiasts be warned: This is not a counting book about dinosaurs, nor do dinosaurs feature prominently (except on the cover and in the rather misleading title). Each thick page has its own felt tab affixed to the right margin, and when the book is closed, they form the spine on the cover’s dinosaur. It’s a nice visual addition even though some little fingers may not yet be ready to grasp them to turn the pages. Each spread features a rhyming quatrain, which flows nicely, reads aloud smoothly, and keeps a steady pace. Some pages really invite readers to participate, like the “four noisy dinosaurs [who] romp and stomp around!” The illustrations are very bright and simple, but compositions are occasionally confusing. All of the animals have cartoonish features with wide eyes and smiles. The little blue mouse (no, not a dinosaur) introduced on the first page becomes a guide, appearing playfully with each group of animals as the book progresses. This is a sweet little detail, and readers will enjoy spotting it, though it’s not always easy to make out, especially when it fades into the blue background of the spread that introduces three yellow birds.
It’s just fine, but there’s not a lot to make noise about. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68010-631-2
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2020
In this board book designed for the littlest llama lovers, adorable-as-ever Llama Llama (Llama Llama Red Pajama, 2005, etc.) gets ready for some Halloween fun.
Dewdney’s characteristic spare, apt rhymes convey a lot of action in effortlessly readable fashion. A charming and simple introduction to Halloween and its associated activities, this title finds little Llama Llama choosing and carving a pumpkin, pouring candy into bowls, picking out a costume and, finally, trick-or-treating. The costume Llama Llama decides to don—pointy teeth and a black mask and cape—is enough to frighten and fool his friends but not readers, who will immediately recognize and smile at the silly little mini-Dracula. With Dewdney’s characters as expressive as ever, young readers will be drawn right into the holiday fun, eagerly anticipating which costume Llama Llama will choose and excited to see him scare his friends and score some candy at trick-or-treat. In the equally appealing companion title, Llama Llama Jingle Bells,the little fellow gets ready for Christmas, baking and decorating some cookies in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. This simple holiday title will win Llama Llama new fans, and old friends will want to add it and its companion to their collections. (Board book. 1-2)
Pub Date: Aug. 19, 2014
ISBN: 978-0451469786
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot.
Little ones learn about bugs.
The world of insects and like small creatures is the focus of this sturdy board book. Each turn of the page gives readers a close view of a particular habitat. The text asks, “Where’s the ladybug?” or “Where’s the snail?” and little ones are encouraged to find the creatures under shaped felt flaps. A caterpillar poses under a leaf with a few bites taken out of it; a bumblebee flies behind a pink tulip. The flaps are made of a reasonably strong material, secured tightly within the book’s pages. Extremely determined readers may figure out a way to pull the flaps out, but most will enjoy flipping them up and over with ease. The last page of the book contains a mirror hidden behind a bush-shaped flap, and readers are asked “And where are you?” The insects smile with big eyes and are composed of large, circular, clean-edged shapes. The color palette is dulled, making the neon flaps pop effectively for little readers. Concurrently publishing companion Where’s the Giraffe? explores the world of jungle animals.
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9335-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
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