by Sam Usher ; illustrated by Sam Usher ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 14, 2021
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
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by Mo Willems ; illustrated by Mo Willems ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2023
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
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New York Times Bestseller
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
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by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022
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
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by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson
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