Models a less than ideal example of friendship.
Sharing her pet stone threatens Otter’s one friendship.
Otter naps clutching Rock to her chest, dresses Rock in seaweed clothing and accessories, and bathes the stone “until Rock sparkles.” Before sleep she “whispers her dreams to Rock. Things that make her happy, or sad, or somewhere in between.” Conveniently (and authentically, for otters), she has an armpit “pocket” where she can tuck Rock. Rock is stolidly passive: Whatever Otter does, “Rock doesn’t mind.” When Manatee asks to play with Otter and Rock, Otter is uncertain but, offered a seagrass accessory for Rock, Otter “can’t say no to a present.” Quiet play suddenly becomes sea-baseball, and Otter’s vigorous thwack sends Rock over Manatee’s head and into the deep. Otter instantly regrets sharing, and though she was the gift-bribed one who let Manatee play and the one who shot Rock into the air, she unreasonably refuses to talk or listen to her friend. Manatee goes to great lengths searching for Rock and, with others’ help, finds Otter’s beloved pal—at which point Otter just resumes playing with her, and “sometimes, they share Rock with others.” If you don’t expect remorse, reflection, or change on Otter’s part, this is a happy ending. Zuill’s pen-and-color style is similar to but somewhat less quirky than the illustrations in Wolf Camp (2016). The two big-eyed animals are slightly anthropomorphized, but several other sea creatures are not. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Models a less than ideal example of friendship. (facts on manatees and otters) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9781454944522
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
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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