An ephemeral but pleasantly coherent take on the viral hit
A trip to the aquarium triggers a “Baby Shark” flash mob.
A parent and child enter the aquarium hand in hand. “Will we see a shark?” the child asks. “Will we see a baby shark?” Of course they do: A cutely snub-nosed (and biologically impossible) shark pup smiles from the tank…and the earworm takes over. “Baby shark! Doo doo doo doo doo doo!” The verse repeats twice more, the “doo doo doo” printed in wavy lines, before it is punctuated by a concluding “Baby shark!” With the turn of the page, it is joined by “Mama shark!” and another child walks up. Cue “doo doo doo.” Then Daddy shark appears, and a third child joins the group, pointing as the earlier two make the “Baby Shark” hand motions. Grandma shark (distinguished by faint wrinkles around the lips, as is Grandpa on the next page—perhaps they forgot their dentures?) swims up next, and then all are seen grinning like the “hungry sharks” they are before the children, now numbering five, “run away!” to join their caregivers, “safe at last!” Kudos to Lewis for creating a plausible visual narrative and peopling it with diverse children. Like all the other “Baby Shark”–themed books in the current tsunami, however, it relies heavily on its readers’ preexisting familiarity with the song for its success.
An ephemeral but pleasantly coherent take on the viral hit . (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-26318-6
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: Nov. 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2019
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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