A brief, engaging introduction to the lives of working canines.
Adorable dogs do big jobs.
Accompanied by high-quality stock photos, Sinclair’s text presents 10 working canines, from a therapy dog to a pooch who acts. Each spread contains a four-line rhyme, written from the perspective of the dog, that offers a hint about its job. Then comes the big reveal at the bottom of the page, set in blue italics: “I am a service dog!” “I am a sled dog!” Each spread also features a decorative blue paw print. This sweet concept book will captivate young dog lovers: The close-up photos of the pups, occasionally seen in action alongside humans, are delightful, and children will learn that dogs can fill roles other than that of pets, though that’s charmingly portrayed here, too. Youngsters will come away with an understanding of the different reasons people require assistance from dogs; notably, Sinclair fosters empathy for humans in need and the brave, intelligent animals who serve them. A quibble: Some readers may wish that the various dog breeds portrayed had been identified. An appended guide for parents and caregivers stresses the importance of helping others and contains useful tips on familiarizing children with working dogs. Humans portrayed are racially diverse; one child uses a wheelchair.
A brief, engaging introduction to the lives of working canines. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2024
ISBN: 9781772783247
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Pajama Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 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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