A snowy celebration of wintertime activities, laced with an earnest, if purposeful, message about the value of hard work.
An overly confident bird takes part in the forest’s annual winter competition.
Owl hasn’t trained one bit for the Big Snowdown. She’s a born winner…or so she thinks. Hedgehog wins the igloo-building contest, Frog dazzles when it comes time to create a musical arrangement (on icicles!), graceful Mouse makes a perfect snow angel, and Raccoon zips to the finish in the downhill ski race. Each time, first place goes to someone other than Owl—“and rightfully so,” repeats the unseen narrator. After all, these animals have been diligently preparing. An illustration of Hedgehog’s meticulously outlined diagrams makes it clear he’s put in the work, while Owl’s haphazard assemblage of blocks demonstrates that she hasn’t. And past montages of the other creatures practicing for their events—and often failing in the process—drive the point home. Though the message about the importance of perseverance comes through a bit bluntly, the tale will hold readers’ attention. While it’s clear from the start that Owl won’t succeed, the brisk pacing will keep kids turning the pages to learn the victor of each contest. The illustrations vary in composition, graphic novel–esque panels alternating with full pages of action for the ski race. Hudson creates cozy wintry settings populated by gently anthropomorphized creatures; Owl’s expressive eyes and body language make her utterly sympathetic in defeat, despite her initial braggadocio.
A snowy celebration of wintertime activities, laced with an earnest, if purposeful, message about the value of hard work. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781684469123
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Still, preschoolers will likely savor this mouthwatering treatment of a subject that looms large in many early school...
The familiar theme of the challenges facing a new kid in town is given an original treatment by photographer Border in this book of photos of three-dimensional objects in a simple modeled landscape.
Peanut Butter is represented by a slice of white bread spread with the popular condiment. The other characters in the story—a hamburger with a pair of hot dogs in tow, a bowl of alphabet soup, a meatball jumping a rope of spaghetti, a carton of French fries and a pink cupcake—are represented by skillfully crafted models of these foods, anthropomorphized using simple wire construction. Rejected by each character in turn in his search for playmates, Peanut Butter discovers in the end that Jelly is his true match (not Cupcake, as the title suggests), perhaps because she is the only one who looks like him, being a slice of white bread spread with jelly. The friendly foods end up happily playing soccer together. Some parents may have trouble with the unabashedly happy depiction of carbs and American junk food (no carrots or celery sticks in this landscape), and others may find themselves troubled by the implication that friendship across difference is impossible.
Still, preschoolers will likely savor this mouthwatering treatment of a subject that looms large in many early school experiences. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 29, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-399-16773-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2014
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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