Radunsky (Mannekin Pis, p. 961, etc.) tucks plenty of counting practice into this evergreen “family” story rich with Radunsky’s offbeat humor. He’s off and running even before the title page, with a labeled picture of an armadillo, “naked after taking a bath.” This is, of course, so that readers will know for sure what an armadillo is. However, little known to most will be the fact that armadillos “are very fond of fine clothes.” Hence the need to demonstrate certain favorites: ear socks, tail stockings, and “pretty dresses or elegant suits.” Finally, “The Story Begins.” Chattering along, he fills his pages with silly asides about his protagonists, whose names he can’t remember. Head over heels in love, Mr. and Mrs. Armadillo hug and play and finally Mrs. Armadillo becomes as big as ten armadillos. A two-page spread is filled mostly with Mrs. A. overwhelming the car as they race off to the hospital to have their baby. They are both overjoyed and overwhelmed when not one baby arrives, but ten. Because they can’t pick names, the newborns are named One through Ten and they get potties and baseball caps, tutus and pets (cows, mostly) from doting relatives—all of which tumble across the pages for young viewers to count. That’s about it: the babies arrive, receive their presents, then—open the flap—they pile into a boat-turned-carriage for an outing—and “they were all very happy.” Blue-nosed adult armadillos, nattily attired in patterned ear and tail socks, tumble with the infants across monochrome backgrounds in this bright, amiable, universally recognizable episode. (Picture book. 4-5)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-670-03563-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2002
One of a four-book series designed to help the very young prepare for new siblings, this title presents a toddler-and-mother pair (the latter heavily pregnant) as they read about new babies, sort hand-me-downs, buy new toys, visit the obstetrician and the sonographer, speculate and wait. Throughout, the child asks questions and makes exclamations with complete enthusiasm: “How big is the baby? What does it eat? I felt it move! Is it a boy or girl?” Fuller’s jolly pictures present a biracial family that thoroughly enjoys every moment together. It’s a bit oversimplified, but no one can complain about the positive message it conveys, appropriately, to its baby and toddler audience. The other titles in the New Baby series are My New Baby (ISBN: 978-1-84643-276-7), Look at Me! (ISBN: 978-1-84643-278-1) and You and Me (ISBN: 978-1-84643-277-4). (Board book. 18 mos.-3)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-84643-275-0
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Child's Play
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
Readers journey through the seasons with puppies whose behavior resembles that of preschoolers. They dodge falling apple blossoms in spring, have a picnic with friends in summer, pick apples and jump in piles of leaves in fall, and have a snowball fight in winter. Murphy (Caterpillar’s Wish, p. 454, etc.) captures the joy and surprises inherent in the arrival of the seasons, making this book a real heartwarmer. The bright coloring of her illustrations engages readers, as the puppies find a new adventure around every corner; the text is a terrific one to read a loud, subtly conveying with humor some time-honored lessons on ecology, sharing, and cooperation. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7894-3484-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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