Wild, yes, but a gentle read, too.
When the narrator and Granddad catsit for the day, things get a little wild.
In this companion title to Free (2021), the unnamed narrator (who presents White) is excited for “taking-care-of-the-cat day” with Granddad (who also appears White). The child excitedly plans to “play with her, feed her, and cuddle her!” Alas, these plans evaporate because, as Granddad explains, “You can’t make a cat do anything it doesn’t want to do.” When they try to cuddle the contrary cat by the fire, she dashes away and escapes out the window. At this point, the story shifts away from (potentially dire) reality as Granddad and grandchild pursue the fleeing feline and end up in a fantastic jungle. They dance with a bevy of animals at “a wild party” complete with a lion and other cats playing instruments—including, of course, a fiddle. The bipedal lions, tigers, and bear in one scene never seem threatening, though a tiger on the cover might lead readers to think it poses a threat in the story. The illustrations strike a balance between cheerily daft (two tigers wearing silly hats boogie happily) and sublime (the narrator swings on a vine past glistening, foaming waterfalls). As in Usher’s other picture books, this one has a generous trim size to invite shared reading, and the watercolor-and-ink illustrations seem to channel Quentin Blake’s style. (And the cat is fine.)
Wild, yes, but a gentle read, too. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Dec. 14, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2000-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Templar/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
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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