A loving look at a friendship that spans the stars above.
In space, no one can hear you howl.
Deep in the dark of night, a spaceship lands in a suburban backyard, and three aliens, resembling green-spotted Dalmatians, collect samples of the local flora and fauna. Suddenly, in a scenario straight out of E.T., the visitors are interrupted in their work and accidentally end up leaving one of their own behind in their haste to flee. Fortunately, Stephen, the light-skinned boy residing in the home, is happy to invite his new guest in. As the two acclimate to each other, the guest must continually assert himself when Stephen tries to treat him like a regular dog. That means offering the guest slightly more delicious breakfasts (when the alien tries Stephen’s bacon, his ears start to look like wavy green bacon, and his eyes water with joy), as well as figuring out sleeping arrangements and dog park etiquette. The first night, the alien’s crewmates don’t return, but the second night they do. Now the visitor must decide: Where exactly is “home”? Rendered in ink and charcoal and finished digitally, the illustrations feature a pup who resembles nothing so much as an early Snoopy. The gentle narrative is told in an offhand style that diminishes none of its emotional impact. This variation on the classic “boy and his dog” story is sure to be beloved by more than just pup lovers.
A loving look at a friendship that spans the stars above. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9781665911955
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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