Though there’s not much new here, this is an enjoyable tale about finding friends.
Can two be too many? Too few? Or just right?
A young shrew playing alone on the beach decides one isn’t fun and seeks companionship, but an elephant sitting nearby points out it doesn’t need to be in a twosome, citing the activities—sailing, surfing, and singing—it enjoys doing solo. The shrew, however, demonstrates why two’s more fun. Before long, an otter appears on the scene, explaining that its presence now makes them a group of three and opining that number’s even better. Adults reading this to kids won’t be surprised when yet another animal, this one an alligator, shows up, adding up to a total of four beachgoers. The shrew, depicted as small and unprepossessing, still maintains the superiority of two and eventually meets a bird that’s in total agreement; at the end, the pair contentedly build sand castles together. This sweet, lighthearted story, expressed in lilting rhyme conveyed entirely in dialogue bubbles, reassures quieter youngsters who might feel overwhelmed with too many people around them that their preference for a twosome is OK. It also permits very young kids to practice some basic counting skills. The lively pencil-and-ink illustrations give winsome expressions and personalities to the main animal characters; various animals feature throughout as background frolickers enjoying a day at the beach. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 40.3% of actual size.)
Though there’s not much new here, this is an enjoyable tale about finding friends. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-984812-91-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2021
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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