In future, let’s hope Scout uncovers some mysteries worthy of her commitment to sleuthing.
A dog solves three mysteries.
Scout is a dog of undisclosed breed who appears to visit Bark Park daily with her human. There, she talks with her friends, eats snacks provided by her human, and solves mysteries. Each of the three chapters is a self-contained mystery that barely warrants the label. It may appear to be splitting hairs to point out that dogs most likely would recognize a sweater (which the plot of “The Mystery Material” turns on) even if they hadn’t seen one on another dog, considering how many humans wear sweaters. This also speaks to the quality of the mysteries. Early chapter-book readers may be developing their reading skills, but their critical-thinking skills will generally be advanced enough that the “mysteries” in this book will (most likely) not be mysteries to them. This suits the book best to readers who are more interested in vocabulary and reading practice than in puzzling out mysteries. And though there are some authentically doggy traits present (puppies dash off into danger; canine characters display a high regard for treats, etc.), the canine humor and charm found in other dog-centric books for the audience (such as Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers’ King & Kayla series) aren’t so prominent here. Pooler’s full-color spot illustrations help to distinguish the characters, and three separate factual notes that touch on elements found in each chapter conclude the book.
In future, let’s hope Scout uncovers some mysteries worthy of her commitment to sleuthing. (Mystery. 6-9)Pub Date: April 20, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5248-6474-3
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Review Posted Online: March 1, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends
Gerald the elephant learns a truth familiar to every preschooler—heck, every human: “Waiting is not easy!”
When Piggie cartwheels up to Gerald announcing that she has a surprise for him, Gerald is less than pleased to learn that the “surprise is a surprise.” Gerald pumps Piggie for information (it’s big, it’s pretty, and they can share it), but Piggie holds fast on this basic principle: Gerald will have to wait. Gerald lets out an almighty “GROAN!” Variations on this basic exchange occur throughout the day; Gerald pleads, Piggie insists they must wait; Gerald groans. As the day turns to twilight (signaled by the backgrounds that darken from mauve to gray to charcoal), Gerald gets grumpy. “WE HAVE WASTED THE WHOLE DAY!…And for WHAT!?” Piggie then gestures up to the Milky Way, which an awed Gerald acknowledges “was worth the wait.” Willems relies even more than usual on the slightest of changes in posture, layout and typography, as two waiting figures can’t help but be pretty static. At one point, Piggie assumes the lotus position, infuriating Gerald. Most amusingly, Gerald’s elephantine groans assume weighty physicality in spread-filling speech bubbles that knock Piggie to the ground. And the spectacular, photo-collaged images of the Milky Way that dwarf the two friends makes it clear that it was indeed worth the wait.
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends . (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-9957-1
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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