An uplifting reminder that sometimes a good friend can help us through the seemingly toughest of hurdles.
Max overcomes his show-and-tell anxiety.
Max, a white dog with floppy ears and brown spots, is nervous for show and tell—it never seems to go well for him. But this time, a little voice whispers, “Dare to see what you can do.” So Max explains to his canine classmates, in rhyme, how he came up with something to bring to show and tell. As he searched his space-themed bedroom, he was at a loss until a “strange blue thingy” landed in his closet. Using telepathic bubbles, the astronaut told Max that his name was Moonbeam and that he came from the moon. Moonbeam shared moon tales, then asked Max to come to the moon to be his show and tell. At first, Max declined, but after Moonbeam praised Max’s courage and cleverness, the two soared off for an adventure in space. Show and tell on the moon was a hit, and Max asked Moonbeam to be his show and tell. Moonbeam agreed, but at the crucial reveal, the little blue alien isn’t there, although the ending is still spectacular. Moonbeam later explains he was right beside Max, encouraging him as any good friend would. Vibrant and detailed digitally created cartoon images add to the magic of this feel-good friendship story that will leave uncertain little ones feeling as bolstered as Max. Plenty of humor—including a couple of fart jokes—will appeal to kids. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An uplifting reminder that sometimes a good friend can help us through the seemingly toughest of hurdles. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 30, 2023
ISBN: 9780062990389
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 7, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
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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