Though the book is unlovely, the interactive format could inspire some worthwhile conversation.
This alphabet-centered rhyming scavenger quest asks readers to point out Hanukkah-related symbols and fare, from the obvious to the more nuanced.
Beginning with “Antiochus” for the letter A, the king who “would not let the Jews be free,” Balsley briefly identifies the significant symbols of the holiday’s commemoration. These include the “Brave Maccabees,” the small “Cruse of oil” and the temple being “Dedicated” after “freedom won,” making sure to capitalize in a bold type the essential letter for each vital word (initials except for “eXtra”). Each page has a question or directed visual activity to complete using the simply drawn picture clues. “So now we have Eight special days. / Special how? Describe the ways. // Which Menorah shows day three? / Count the Flames and you will see.” Typical examples such as L for latkes and M for menorah share the alphabet with unrelated choices such as R for Reading and Q for Quick to fill out the alphabet structure. Despite this, the basics of remembrance—through celebration, the lighting of candles, gifts and gatherings with potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts—are strongly evident. Though the theme is executed capably, the production is lackluster, created digitally with childlike caricatures inhabiting both biblical and modern-day scenarios.
Though the book is unlovely, the interactive format could inspire some worthwhile conversation. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4677-0420-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2013
A successful swap from coconut tree to Christmas tree.
A Christmas edition of the beloved alphabet book.
The story starts off nearly identically to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (1989), written by John Archambault and the late Bill Martin Jr, with the letters A, B, and C deciding to meet in the branches of a tree. This time, they’re attempting to scale a Christmas tree, not a coconut tree, and the letters are strung together like garland. A, B, and C are joined by the other letters, and of course they all “slip, slop, topple, plop!” right down the tree. At the bottom, they discover an assortment of gifts, all in a variety of shapes. As a team, the letters and presents organize themselves to get back up on the Christmas tree and get a star to the top. Holiday iterations of favorite tales often fall flat, but this take succeeds. The gifts are an easy way to reinforce another preschool concept—shapes—and the text uses just enough of the original to be familiar. The rhyming works, sticking to the cadence of the source material. The illustrations pay homage to the late Lois Ehlert’s, featuring the same bold block letters, though they lack some of the whimsy and personality of the original. Otherwise, everything is similarly brightly colored and simply drawn. Those familiar with the classic will be drawn to this one, but newcomers can enjoy it on its own.
A successful swap from coconut tree to Christmas tree. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9781665954761
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Enjoyable holiday fare for the littlest trick-or-treaters.
Does the box of Halloween costumes contain enough to clothe a passel of bears?
There’s a lot inside that carton: “hats, capes, and bats,” for example, and much more besides. And here come the four excited little bears, eager to comb through the contents to find the right trick-or-treat get-ups. At first, they find just what they want. Then, they simultaneously shout and pull at one another’s pickings as well, each desperately needing what another one has. The hubbub causes poor little Floppy to fall on her rear, so she tells Big Brown Bear she’ll wait until the others are done. Unfortunately, by the time everyone else has grabbed their stash, there’s nothing left in the box but a crumpled-up sash. Contrite, all the other bears willingly share their largesse with Floppy, turning her into the “holiday queen.” She leads the parade outdoors, all the bears dressed in their Halloween finest. This latest in Parenteau and Walker’s Bears on Chairs series is a sweet, brief rhyming tale for very young children that emphasizes kindness and sharing—a fine message for Halloween or any time. The lilting verses move smoothly and rhythmically and express a familiar scenario. The colorful, expressive illustrations are endearing; minimal text and lots of white space per page focus attention on the characters and goings-on.
Enjoyable holiday fare for the littlest trick-or-treaters. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: July 14, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5362-0837-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
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