Despite its clever multimedia illustrative style reminiscent of the Knuffle Bunny books, this forgettable story lacks the...
The truth about Sasquatch is revealed.
By the accidental means of a fallen bubble-gum trail in the woods, a cheerfully spunky, unnamed girl comes to befriend Sasquatch, who importunes her to get the message out that he is friendly and lovable. And that’s about it as far as the plot is concerned. Bradley superimposes computer-drawn characters against a verdant, photographic background, creating visual interest, but this book falls flat with its lack of substance and story. It may appeal to those attracted to cute for the sake of cute, as when the narrator points out that Sasquatch smells like blueberries and likes hugs, but should be avoided by those seeking a story in which something happens. It attempts humor, as when Sasquatch is first inadvertently caught when blowing a bubble-gum bubble, but the humor does not support an actual plot and so fizzles out. Ultimately the picture-book format seems a conceptual mismatch for what might work as a webcomic or as a fleshed-out children's comic series, wherein Sasquatch actually did something besides introduce himself to the bespectacled girl who is the perky narrator of this inane tale. However, this book will undoubtedly find an audience in those simply seeking visual appeal.
Despite its clever multimedia illustrative style reminiscent of the Knuffle Bunny books, this forgettable story lacks the substance to recommend it beyond a cursory source of cuteness. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4795-6482-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Review Posted Online: June 5, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2015
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
Handy advice for perpetually inquisitive children.
Interior decorator and TV personality Gaines invites readers to open their eyes and exercise their imaginations.
There’s a world to be explored out there—and only children can really take part. What does “looking for wonder” entail? Slowing down and looking up, around, and everywhere. At the outset, a group of eager, racially diverse young friends—including one who uses a wheelchair—are fully prepared for a grand adventure. They offer tips about how and where to look: Why, there’s a “grand parade” of marching ants! And, these kids add, perspective is key. A rainy day might signal gloom to some, but to those filled with wonder, showers bring “magic puddles for play”; a forest is “an enchanted world,” the ocean conceals “a spectacular city,” and the night sky boasts “extraordinary sights.” The takeaway: “Wonder is never in short supply.” It’s a robust, empowering message, as is the exhortation to “keep your mind open, and let curiosity guide the way.” Youngsters are also advised to share their discoveries. The upbeat narrative is delivered in clunky verse, but the colorful cartoonish illustrations brimming with activity and good cheer (including some adorable anthropomorphized animals in the backgrounds) make up for the textual lapses and should motivate readers to embark on their own “wonder explorations.”
Handy advice for perpetually inquisitive children. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 28, 2025
ISBN: 9781400247417
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
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