by Barney Saltzberg & illustrated by Barney Saltzberg ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2001
A delightfully dry humor courses through this three-part Halloween treat. First, Hop (a bunny) and Hip (a hippo) are deciding what they want to wear for costumes. Hop says he wants to be a pumpkin, but Hip says she wants to be one, too. Hop says he said it first and Hip will have to be something else. This throws Hip into a swivet, because all she really wants is to be a pumpkin. Hop finally bribes Hip with a promise of all the green M&Ms and a choice of costumes next year. Next, Hop is in a funk because it is raining on Halloween and no trick-or-treaters are coming. Hip tries to entice some by blowing a fan over the bowl of candy to send its aroma out into the street—no go—and playing scary music out the window—nope. Lastly, Hip decides she absolutely has to be a pumpkin, which angers Hop. Hip goes home and feels so bad that she lies on the floor, unable to bestir herself to go out. Hop materializes with a beautiful pumpkin suit for Hip, noting the differences between the two suits and, anyway, “I’m glad we’re trick-or-treating together.” Hip wants to know if she can have all the M&Ms, so as the green ones won’t be lonely. “Of course,” says Hop. The road of friendship is never simple, but it is always mysterious. Cartoony watercolors lend a smart animation to this tale of chums finding common ground. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-15-202489-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Gulliver/Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2001
Share your opinion of this book
More by Barney Saltzberg
BOOK REVIEW
by Barney Saltzberg ; illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
BOOK REVIEW
by Barney Saltzberg ; illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
BOOK REVIEW
by Barney Saltzberg ; illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
Another creature is on the loose.
The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
Share your opinion of this book
More In The Series
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton
More by Alice Walstead
BOOK REVIEW
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Paul Gill
BOOK REVIEW
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Paul Gill
BOOK REVIEW
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton
by Pip Jones ; illustrated by Sara Ogilvie ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2020
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
Share your opinion of this book
More by Pip Jones
BOOK REVIEW
by Pip Jones ; illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
BOOK REVIEW
by Pip Jones ; illustrated by Laura Hughes
BOOK REVIEW
by Pip Jones ; illustrated by Ella Okstad
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.