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THERE'S A GOBLIN ON THE ARK!

Name: THERE'S A GOBLIN ON THE ARK!
Author: Susan Tarcov
ISBN: 9781681156026

by Susan Tarcov ; illustrated by Mackinzie Rekers ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2023

A gentle, accessible take on Noah’s Ark laced with a message of acceptance.

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In this whimsical imagining of Noah’s Ark, the animals puzzle over a mysterious noise.

What could be making that “woooooo” sound? It’s not the owls or the cows or the pigeons; those “hoooooo,” “moooooo,” and “coooooo,” respectively. When the animals discover an adorable little green goblin, they immediately team up to drive the creature away. But soon they realize that the goblin is calling out to find their mate—the goblin is one of a pair, just like everyone else on the boat. The read-aloud–friendly text lends itself to a younger audience, with rhyming sounds and pleasant repetition. There’s even a brief exploration of the senses as the animals combat the goblin using bright lights, loud noises, and stinky odors (courtesy of the skunks). Halfway through, the story shifts to a narrative about the importance of helping strangers, no matter how different, as the animals work to unite the two goblins. The colorful cartoon animals and their emotive faces contribute to an overall coziness that bridges both halves of the tale. The illustrations depict one representative from almost every species pair with long eyelashes—an unnecessary hint of sexism. Though we’re told early on that Noah brought the animals onto the ark, no humans are seen, and the story contains no overt biblical references. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gentle, accessible take on Noah’s Ark laced with a message of acceptance. (author’s note) (Religious picture book. 2-5)

Pub Date: May 23, 2023

ISBN: 9781681156026

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Apples & Honey Press

Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
TYRANNOSAURUS TSURIS
by Susan Tarcov ; illustrated by Elissambura

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THE RABBI AND HIS DONKEY
by Susan Tarcov ; illustrated by Diana Renjina

- BOOK REVIEW
RAISINS AND ALMONDS
by Susan Tarcov ; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

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HAPPY EASTER, LITTLE POOKIE

From the Little Pookie series

by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2023

An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.

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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)