Earnest but awkward.
Anthropomorphic young animals demonstrate every possible way to err when it comes to bathroom etiquette.
Koala is throwing a birthday party. The day is sure to be fun. “But sometimes, certain needs pop up…and it’s helpful to keep in mind some tips to avoid any mishaps when you need to go to the bathroom.” As guests arrive and make faux pas, an ever-present snail summarizes lessons to be learned. Toucan rushes straight to the bathroom; he forgot to pee before leaving home. Elephant doesn’t make it to the restroom in time; she was having too much fun playing cards. Squirrel forgets to knock before entering; Cat, who’s standing at the toilet, is startled and splashes pee onto the floor. After Lioness uses up all the toilet paper to dress like a mummy, there’s none left for Panda, who’s left with an itchy bottom. When Daddy Koala notices brown marks on Giraffe’s hands, he asks if Giraffe accidentally smeared chocolate icing on himself after eating cake. (“Maybe I forgot to wash my hands,” Giraffe replies.) Oddly, Daddy Koala seems more disgusted by Shrew’s furtive fart than by Giraffe’s nasty health violation. The humorous and adorable colored pencil art depicts animals gingerly holding it in or blushing in embarrassment. The narration, however, translated from Spanish, is didactic and wordy; it may make for a useful one-time read, but cleverer, less preachy options abound.
Earnest but awkward. (Picture book. 4-6) Picture book. (4-6) Picture book. (4-6)Pub Date: April 22, 2025
ISBN: 9788410074545
Page Count: 40
Publisher: NubeOcho
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily.
A group of young “dinosauruses” go out into the world on their own.
A fuchsia little Hugasaurus and her Pappysaur (both of whom resemble Triceratops) have never been apart before, but Hugasaurus happily heads off with lunchbox in hand and “wonder in her heart” to make new friends. The story has a first-day-of-school feeling, but Hugasaurus doesn’t end up in a formal school environment; rather, she finds herself on a playground with other little prehistoric creatures, though no teacher or adult seems to be around. At first, the new friends laugh and play. But Hugasaurus’ pals begin to squabble, and play comes to a halt. As she wonders what to do, a fuzzy platypus playmate asks some wise questions (“What…would your Pappy say to do? / What makes YOU feel better?”), and Hugasaurus decides to give everyone a hug—though she remembers to ask permission first. Slowly, good humor is restored and play begins anew with promises to be slow to anger and, in general, to help create a kinder world. Short rhyming verses occasionally use near rhyme but also include fun pairs like ripples and double-triples. Featuring cozy illustrations of brightly colored creatures, the tale sends a strong message about appropriate and inappropriate ways to resolve conflict, the final pages restating the lesson plainly in a refrain that could become a classroom motto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-82869-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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