Sweet, interactive, and informational—a winsome combination.
An endearing guessing game involves 10 animal fathers.
A young tortoise named Sebastian knows that his dad is good at keeping him warm, especially during tender snuggles. But what else can fathers do? Daddy Tortoise has a long list of ideas. “Dads can do lots of things,” he says as a family of birds perch in a nest above. “Like chirp to their chicks to tell them it’s time to learn how to fly.” Sebastian dissolves into a fit of giggles: “Then he’s not a daddy tortoise like you!” Daddy wonders aloud, “Then whose dad is it?” A suspenseful page turn reveals Sebastian’s triumphant answer: “That’s Daddy Bird.” The pattern continues as Sebastian and his dad explore everything from spiders and grasshoppers to frogs and hedgehogs. Layouts vary between full-page spreads and comic book–like panels. Details such as long, shadowy ears or a silky web tucked in the corner of an image offer additional clues as to who the next father might be. Softly lined illustrations in burnt oranges and bright sunny yellows infuse the forest with warmth, echoing the cozy relationship between Daddy Tortoise and his hatchling. Originally published in Switzerland, this lovely tale invites fathers everywhere to cuddle their little ones close for a delightful read-aloud.
Sweet, interactive, and informational—a winsome combination. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 8, 2025
ISBN: 9780735845671
Page Count: 40
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: Nov. 23, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2025
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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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