A sweet take on the new-sibling theme.
A comparison of two siblings’ personal items.
While Big Bear, Little Bear (2021) compared the objects owned by a parent and a child, this tale catalogs Little Bear’s and their baby sibling’s belongings, from socks to toys to books. Little Bear is taller, dressed like an older child. Baby Bear, on the other hand, sports a onesie and is much smaller. Side-by-side illustrations enable readers to observe the ways the two are alike and ways in which they are different—both enjoy a snack, but Little Bear eats an apple, while Baby Bear still drinks from a bottle. New older siblings might find this read especially helpful, as they’ll see just how capable they are (like Little Bear, they can ride a bike, for instance). The book closes with an illustration of Little Bear and Baby Bear piled onto Big Bear’s lap, a reminder that they all share the same love. Schneider’s illustrations are simple, showcasing the two items on each side of the spread, set against a solid, vibrantly colored background. Little Bear and Baby Bear are more teddy bear than grizzly, with minimal detail, which also makes for little change in their facial expressions. It also leaves room for adults to fill in the blanks and reassure their Little Bears in advance of the arrival of a Baby Bear. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sweet take on the new-sibling theme. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-951836-63-4
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Cameron Kids
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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