A sweet import that inspires inner strength.
Hats magically transform each person in town, giving them precisely what they need to become their best selves.
When the squat, little hat shop initially appears, everyone eyes it suspiciously. Where did it come from? Why is it there? The first customer to creep into the store is Timid Tim, a very shy fellow. He emerges wearing a hat that seems to flip an internal switch. Suddenly, he exudes confidence and joyfully greets everyone in the square. Sad Sally comes out of the shop with a hat that bursts into butterflies, spreading smiles and cheer. The mayor, a puffed-up, ostentatious sort, is given the tiniest hat imaginable and loves it. Townsfolk (all of them white) parade around with illuminated birdcages, sparkly flowers, and fluffs of cloud on their heads—until a windstorm sweeps away not only their hats, but also the magical hat seller. Timid Tim is again the first to pluck up his courage and realize character comes from within, not from a hat. The true magic of this tale, however, is not in the lesson but in Wimmer’s luminous illustrations. Thin, swooping mustaches and fancy frocks adorn stretched, doughy figures, all with ruddy noses and cheeks. The dreamy, muted palette pops with rose and teal accents.
A sweet import that inspires inner strength. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Nov. 15, 2016
ISBN: 978-84-16147-19-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Review Posted Online: Aug. 29, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2016
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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