A read sure to banish melancholy feelings once and for all.
Friends can brighten one’s disposition.
Deep in his lair, Bear’s lonely because no one’s around to play with him. Mouse, Wren, and Owl are foraging, while Hare’s helping his sister dig weeds. Badger’s fishing, and Gopher and Mole are digging tunnels. Raven, writing poetry, can’t be disturbed. “I’m bored!” sighs Bear. “I don’t want to be alone!” “And the bear feels sad”—a refrain the rhyming text repeats frequently. Bear’s carrot snack isn’t so tasty when there’s no one to share it with. Building a blanket fort passes the time, but it isn’t nearly as much fun on his own. Even the discovery of a field filled with beautiful flowers is cause for unhappiness—his buddies can’t see them. Bear fashions bouquets uniquely suited to each friend. Thinking about his pals gladdens him somewhat, and he heads home. Near his den, Bear hears voices: His friends have returned, bearing gifts for him from their exploits. Raven reads his poem, and Bear distributes his bouquets. Everyone plays and chats. Bear’s mood now? “GLAD!” This sweet tale, expressed in well-constructed verse, makes keen observations about how the warmth of camaraderie can swiftly turn sadness to joy. The sunshine-bright acrylic illustrations, featuring endearing animal characters, will lift readers’ spirits as the kindness of Bear’s companions boosts his own.
A read sure to banish melancholy feelings once and for all. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781665936576
Page Count: 40
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Dec. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2025
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
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