Accepting what can’t be changed is a lesson everyone has to learn, even big, boisterous dogs (and presumably young readers,...
A huge, tan dog named Simon learns to share his new dog bed with the family cat.
From the very first page of the book, even prior to the title page, Simon considers his big, red bed a perfect present. But when the dog returns from a walk, he finds his bed has been taken over by the family’s sly Siamese cat, Miss Adora Belle. Simon tries several methods to evict the cat, including polite requests, howling, barking, and dragging the bed through the house and yard. He even tries to dislodge Adora Belle by perching on her special purple pillow. Simon finally decides to share his bed with the cat, concluding that “sometimes… / you have to pick your battles.” That expression may need explanation for younger readers, along with Simon’s habit of “rehydrating” by drinking out of the toilet. The story is quietly humorous as it tracks Simon’s tenacious attempts to solve his problem, but his capitulation to the cat’s stoic territorial occupation falls a little flat, as readers have no idea what other battles the dog and cat may have encountered. Digitally rendered illustrations in a moody palette of grays and blues are set off by the bright red bed, and the dog’s increasing frustration is conveyed by his sad face and sagging posture. Miss Adora Belle is sneaky rather than adorable, although both animals seem contented with their shared nap on the final pages.
Accepting what can’t be changed is a lesson everyone has to learn, even big, boisterous dogs (and presumably young readers, as well). (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4814-3019-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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.
