of self-discovery. (Picture book. 4-7)
Even for an elephant, Mort has too much on his plate. Kraus's pachyderm loves playing sports—all sorts of sports—and
his father is there to urge him on. His mother would like him to play the violin as well, to broaden his cultural horizons. Since Mort is a sport, he agrees to his mother's fancy. Practicing the violin and pursuing sports is logistically demanding, yet there is Mort sawing away at the violin while awaiting his turn at bat. All of this is fine until an overtaxed Mort starts to draw his bow across his bat and take cuts at the fastball with his violin. Confusion reigns, Mort's in a dither, and his parents come to realize that "we're putting too much pressure on Mort." So they ask him, "What do you want to play, baseball or the violin?" "Chess," he groans. "I want to sit down." Not surprisingly, he fast becomes champion of the world, which is not to say he wouldn't have excelled at his parents' chosen activities—it’s just nice to know the young sport has a sense of who he is. Himmelman’s illustrations are full of life and work well with Mort's dizzying predicament to yield a funny, approachable tale
of self-discovery. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-531-30247-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2000
This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-670-88257-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This tribute overflows with the gleeful, impassioned zest that is part and parcel of being a toddler. Comprised of 16 vignettes, readers can shimmy and shake with “Stomping Time,” learn about shapes and colors, twirl about, splash in a puddle, indulge in a temper tantrum (as is realistically re-enacted in the appropriately titled poem “NO!”) and much more, finally concluding with “ZZZZ,” which pays homage to bedtime restlessness. The crisp rhymes blend commonplace observances with a smattering of silliness: “Paddle in a pool,/surf in the sea./Dance through a sprinkler . . . /But no bath for me!” In short, Simon (The Topsy- Turvies, 1996, etc.) covers the minutiae of everyday life, the play that is frequently overlooked yet remains essential to learning. Soft pastel illustrations masterfully capture the facets of toddlerhood; children leap across the pages expressing every emotion of the text, stated or not. An exuberant celebration. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-531-30120-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Orchard
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1999
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