Silly, of course, and pretty sweet.
Mr. Panda is available for hugs, but no one seems to want one.
Mr. Panda sports a “Free Hugs” T-shirt (possibly a gift from his lemur friend) as he makes himself available for hugs to his many friends. “I need a hug,” says the skunk, approaching while apparently wafting a stinky smell. “OK, Skunk. Let’s have a hug,” says Mr. Panda. But it turns out that Skunk was speaking to the crocodile. Croc (wearing a clothespin on its nose) and Skunk exchange hugs and “I love you”s as Mr. Panda looks on in some confusion. The rebuff is repeated with Elephant and Mouse, some sheep and Ostrich, and Sloth (who can hug itself). Lemur and Penguin are Mr. Panda’s constant companions as he rides a bike, drives a minibus, and flies a small plane, all without success in delivering hugs. The animals, most gray or black and white, stand out against a solid red background, the doughnut-decorated heart-shaped balloon Mr. Panda totes the only pops of other colors. When he gives up with an “I guess nobody wants my hugs,” the lemur and penguin offer Mr. Panda a hug, which he accepts, followed by the others in a big group hug: “We love you, Mr. Panda.” Mr. Panda’s reserve, large size, and lumpish dignity make his mission seem endearing, and his willingness to give up is a somewhat positive one for nonhuggers. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.2-by-20.8-inch double-page spreads viewed at 12.4% of actual size).
Silly, of course, and pretty sweet. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-338-66808-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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