Hooray for teamwork, hard work, and friendship!
A cheerful group of anthropomorphic tools known as the Fix-Its learn about the value of a power nap.
One morning, the hand drill excitedly tells the two screwdrivers about a new arrival to the workbench. “Is that the brand-new, super-duper Power Drill?!” asks one of the screwdrivers. The three get to work while Power Drill finishes charging. The hand drill makes a hole, and a screwdriver turns a screw. It’s hard work. “Would you like some help?” asks Power Drill. Yes! “They’re so powerful, they didn’t even need to pre-drill!” says the hand drill while observing Power Drill’s work. Power Drill acknowledges the secret to their impressive speed and energy: “ELECTRICITY!” Like groupies gushing over a celebrity, the wide-eyed hand tools cut hilarious figures as they look on in awe. They take the opportunity to rest by basking under a lamp (“Relaxation looks good on us”), and they plan a party for Power Drill as thanks for all the work getting done. But Power Drill is slowing down, their “ziip” turning to an “urr…urp.” It takes several tools to hoist Power Drill back onto the charger to recover. Reul accomplishes a lot in the Fix-Its’ second graphic novel: She gives readers an up-close look at various woodworking tools, reminds them that rest and recharging are essential, and demonstrates the importance of respect and cooperation. The crisp panels and gently animated look of the workbench denizens add to the welcoming feel.
Hooray for teamwork, hard work, and friendship! (Graphic beginning reader. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2024
ISBN: 9780063295537
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperAlley
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2024
A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn.
A young owl achieves his grand ambition.
Owl, an adorably earnest and gallant little owlet, dreams of being a knight. He imagines himself defeating dragons and winning favor far and wide through his brave exploits. When a record number of knights go missing, Owl applies to Knight School and is surprisingly accepted. He is much smaller than the other knights-in-training, struggles to wield weapons, and has “a habit of nodding off during the day.” Nevertheless, he graduates and is assigned to the Knight Night Watch. While patrolling the castle walls one night, a hungry dragon shows up and Owl must use his wits to avoid meeting a terrible end. The result is both humorous and heartwarming, offering an affirmation of courage and clear thinking no matter one’s size…and demonstrating the power of a midnight snack. The story never directly addresses the question of the missing knights, but it is hinted that they became the dragon’s fodder, leaving readers to question Owl’s decision to befriend the beast. Humor is supplied by the characters’ facial expressions and accented by the fact that Owl is the only animal in his order of big, burly human knights. Denise’s accomplished digital illustrations—many of which are full bleeds—often use a warm sepia palette that evokes a feeling of antiquity, and some spreads feature a pleasing play of chiaroscuro that creates suspense and drama.
A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 15, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-316-31062-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2022
A gentle adventure that sets the stage for future quests.
A lonely prince gains a friend for a quest to find a missing jewel.
Prince Lucas of Wrenly has everything a boy could possibly want—except a friend. His father has forbidden him to play with the village children for reasons of propriety. Adventure-seeking Lucas acquires peasant clothes to masquerade as a commoner and make friends, but he is caught out. His mother, the queen, persuades the king to allow him one friend: Clara, the daughter of her personal dressmaker. When the queen’s prized emerald pendant goes missing, Lucas and Clara set off to find it. They follow the jewel as it changes hands, interviewing each temporary owner. Their adventure cleverly introduces the series’ world and peoples, taking the children to the fairy island of Primlox, the trolls’ home of Burth, the wizard island of Hobsgrove and finally Mermaid’s Cove. By befriending the mermaids, Lucas and Clara finally recover the jewel. In thanks, the king gives Clara a horse of her own so that she may ride with Lucas on their future adventures. The third-person narration is generally unobtrusive, allowing the characters to take center stage. The charming, medieval-flavored illustrations set the fairy-tale scene and take up enough page space that new and reluctant readers won’t be overwhelmed by text.
A gentle adventure that sets the stage for future quests. (Fantasy. 5-8)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4424-9691-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
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