A muddled parable likely to leave readers scratching their…heads.
Two flies go to war over a pile of dog poop.
The buzzing adversaries end up friends, swathed in bandages and lying side by side in bed—but neither the war nor its resolution offer much fiber to digest. Hardly has Lola, “the flittiest of all flies,” planted her flag on the freshly laid mound than along comes Fiona, “the laziest and most loudmouthed of all flies,” to challenge her claim. The two proceed to engage in what, aside from a bit of poop flinging, amounts to a no-contact dance-off that ends at sunset with the two bedding down on opposite sides of the pile. Next morning, instead of resuming hostilities, the weary warriors unilaterally decide that there’s enough room for all…just as an oblivious gardener’s big boot comes down to obliterate the muffin of contention. Though the Argentine illustrator draws his light-skinned, anthropomorphic flies so casually that he sometimes forgets how many legs they’re supposed to have, he gives the pair stylish eyes that look like outsized sunglasses and comically irascible expressions (they’re still scowling even as they lie in bed holding hands in the penultimate scene). That ill humor adds a piquant whiff to a parable that falls otherwise on the bland side despite the redolent mise en scène. The Spanish-language original publishes simultaneously. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.8-by-19.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 74% of actual size.)
A muddled parable likely to leave readers scratching their…heads. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2020
ISBN: 978-84-17673-88-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: NubeOcho
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
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