An affirming friendship tale and a reminder to embrace oneself.
In this sequel to Cranky (2023), the grouchy crane returns, with a new character in tow.
The book opens on an optimistic note. Seated at the breakfast table, Cranky cracks a true smile alongside a younger brother; both sport matching yellow and orange paint. The mood shifts swiftly at the Sandbox Hills construction yard when a smaller green crane bursts onto the scene. With his constant stream of chatter and jokes, Lefty is equal parts annoying and earnest as he proclaims, “I’M FOLLOWING CRANKY TODAY SO I CAN LEARN HOW TO BE THE BEST CRANE I CAN BE.” To Cranky’s horror, the newcomer quickly endears himself to the other crew members. Cranky’s insecurity is deeply relatable; feeling left out, the crane attempts to crack fake smiles and tell jokes, to the others’ consternation. (“What’s wrong with your face, Cranky?”) At last, Cranky literally blows a gasket, depicted effectively on a page with a dramatically red backdrop. Friends offer Cranky words of reassurance: “We like you because you’re Cranky. Nobody is like you.” Tran and Oswald plainly demonstrate useful strategies for coping with big feelings, like sitting quietly alone and expressing oneself. Oswald’s chunky illustrations, rooted in primary colors, will engage younger children, while speech bubbles offer older kids that cool comic book feel. Construction puns abound; Cranky frequently resorts to the pseudo-swear “Oh clang it” when frustrated.
An affirming friendship tale and a reminder to embrace oneself. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9780063256309
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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