Bound to be a roaring success at storytime.
A young tiger loves everything about books…except reading them.
The King tells his loyal subjects Elephant, Boar, and Monkey that it’s Book Day: “Prepare to be dazzled by all the marvelous things I can do with my books.” The other animals observe as the King builds book towers, creates “a mighty bookquake,” and eats off a “book tray.” Boar vainly attempts to show the King what books are really for but is admonished for interrupting and flees in terror. Later, the King “tidies up” by dumping his books into the moat. Unamused, the moat monster throws them back, leading the King to conclude that his realm is under siege. Back at the castle, the King’s subjects finally reveal the true purpose of books and show him a guide with tips for vanquishing moat monsters. The King wonders why no one’s told him about the importance of reading. (“We tried.” “We really did.”) Apologizing, he suggests that they all read together—which they do, happily (the moat monster included). Some kids may wonder why the King never attempted to read these stories, since he evidently knows how; still, it’s a small point. The King’s dialogue is styled in bold print, suggesting his status and loud voice, both contrasting with his diminutive stature. With his adorably oversize head, the King is clearly a tiger cub—but one who oozes confidence and moxie. Perry’s colorful, crisp illustrations infuse the King’s wonderfully explosive tantrums with drama.
Bound to be a roaring success at storytime. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 15, 2025
ISBN: 9781250330123
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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