Puppy’s enthusiasm and waggable tail hold high appeal for little readers.
Puppy finds Christmas presents under the tree for all of his friends as he searches to uncover his own.
Yoon gives life to Puppy, complete with a movable, wagging tail. Knowing that he has a gift under the Christmas tree, Puppy searches for his but finds only those for his animal friends. Onomatopoeic text on the bottom right corner of each page (“Squeak! Squeak!”; “Meow! Meow!”) foreshadow which animal’s gift Puppy finds on the next page. He persists with no luck until he hears the classic “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and discovers his gift—a bone. Puppy’s felt-covered tail protrudes over the pages at the top of the book (he hunches down under the tree throughout). It wags with the smooth left-to-right pull of a sturdy tab that is accessible from every page. Because of this, Puppy remains in the same position throughout the book, with his expressions changing to show his growing disappointment. The illustrations are in Yoon’s signature simple style of bold colors with a thick black outline, offering just the right amount of detail. There are labeled gift tags, tiny candy canes on wrapping paper, and spokes on the wheels of the train. While the story itself uses a familiar trope, it will certainly appeal to toddlers with its brisk pace and predictable pattern. The joy of making Puppy’s tail wag excitedly or slowly back and forth is sure to delight any young reader.
Puppy’s enthusiasm and waggable tail hold high appeal for little readers. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5344-4343-3
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2019
In this board book designed for the littlest llama lovers, adorable-as-ever Llama Llama (Llama Llama Red Pajama, 2005, etc.) gets ready for some Halloween fun.
Dewdney’s characteristic spare, apt rhymes convey a lot of action in effortlessly readable fashion. A charming and simple introduction to Halloween and its associated activities, this title finds little Llama Llama choosing and carving a pumpkin, pouring candy into bowls, picking out a costume and, finally, trick-or-treating. The costume Llama Llama decides to don—pointy teeth and a black mask and cape—is enough to frighten and fool his friends but not readers, who will immediately recognize and smile at the silly little mini-Dracula. With Dewdney’s characters as expressive as ever, young readers will be drawn right into the holiday fun, eagerly anticipating which costume Llama Llama will choose and excited to see him scare his friends and score some candy at trick-or-treat. In the equally appealing companion title, Llama Llama Jingle Bells,the little fellow gets ready for Christmas, baking and decorating some cookies in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. This simple holiday title will win Llama Llama new fans, and old friends will want to add it and its companion to their collections. (Board book. 1-2)
Pub Date: Aug. 19, 2014
ISBN: 978-0451469786
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot.
Little ones learn about bugs.
The world of insects and like small creatures is the focus of this sturdy board book. Each turn of the page gives readers a close view of a particular habitat. The text asks, “Where’s the ladybug?” or “Where’s the snail?” and little ones are encouraged to find the creatures under shaped felt flaps. A caterpillar poses under a leaf with a few bites taken out of it; a bumblebee flies behind a pink tulip. The flaps are made of a reasonably strong material, secured tightly within the book’s pages. Extremely determined readers may figure out a way to pull the flaps out, but most will enjoy flipping them up and over with ease. The last page of the book contains a mirror hidden behind a bush-shaped flap, and readers are asked “And where are you?” The insects smile with big eyes and are composed of large, circular, clean-edged shapes. The color palette is dulled, making the neon flaps pop effectively for little readers. Concurrently publishing companion Where’s the Giraffe? explores the world of jungle animals.
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9335-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
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