Count on Duquennoy to deliver consistent quality.
Another playful, uncluttered concept book from the creative mind that brought us Opposites, Shapes (both 2018), and Colors (2019).
This time Duquennoy provides multiple ways for toddlers to practice numeracy skills. When the book is closed, the numerals 1 through 10 are visible on the index tabs to the right. Open the book to find the numeral enlarged on the bottom left side next to Zoe, whose black-and-white (and a smidge of yellow) zebra body forms each number. Active youngsters may be tempted to do the same with their own bodies. At the top center, a small die displays a corresponding number of dots. On the recto page, center top, a hand in a circle holds out the appropriate number of fingers. Below, Zack, an irrepressible chameleon, juggles the corresponding number of balls. Duquennoy’s choice to have Zack consistently juggle balls instead of different objects makes it easy for young children to focus on counting. Both the large numeral and the balls are slightly textured and match the chameleon’s changing color. The one line of text is also repeated. The only change is the number. On the final spread “Zoe and Zack make the number 10 / and play with 10 balls!” In this case, the balls form the “1” in the number while Zoe’s body makes the “0”—a subtle reminder of what cooperation can accomplish.
Count on Duquennoy to deliver consistent quality. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
ISBN: 979-1-03631-494-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Twirl/Chronicle
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
An upbeat early book on feelings with a simple storyline that little ones will respond to.
This simplified version of Diesen and Hanna’s The Pout-Pout Fish (2008) is appropriate for babies and toddlers.
Brief, rhyming text tells the story of a sullen fish cheered up with a kiss. A little pink sea creature pokes his head out of a hole in the sea bottom to give the gloomy fish some advice: “Smile, Mr. Fish! / You look so down // With your glum-glum face / And your pout-pout frown.” He explains that there’s no reason to be worried, scared, sad or mad and concludes: “How about a smooch? / And a cheer-up wish? // Now you look happy: / What a smile, Mr. Fish!” Simple and sweet, this tale offers the lesson that sometimes, all that’s needed for a turnaround in mood is some cheer and encouragement to change our perspective. The clean, uncluttered illustrations are kept simple, except for the pout-pout fish’s features, which are delightfully expressive. Little ones will easily recognize and likely try to copy the sad, scared and angry looks that cross the fish’s face.
An upbeat early book on feelings with a simple storyline that little ones will respond to. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-374-37084-8
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An invitation for readers to learn through observation.
Llama Llama and Mama spot different shapes at the farmers market.
Dewdney’s iconic llama stars in this board book, a part of the Learning With Llama Llama series. The story showcases five shapes: rectangles, squares, triangles, circles, and stars. Rather than simply showing the shapes and naming them, illustrator Morrow embeds them inside scenes from the farmers market. Each page turn uncovers a different shape. Signage and a shopping bag pop as rectangles, while umbrellas, a slice of watermelon, and the peaks of the tents form triangles. Shapes that appeared on previous pages are visible even as the story progresses, and the final page helps readers revisit and recall shapes they’ve already found. There are plenty of engaging details to keep readers looking, including other animal shoppers, kite-flying, and sudden, surprising rain. The text is concise, and each spread features a simple question inviting participation. This title is more captivating than other shape concept books, especially those that show block-colored shapes without context. Llama Llama’s popularity will make this a hit with fans, and readers looking for substance will find it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An invitation for readers to learn through observation. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-46509-7
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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