While the premise is interesting, the execution is imperfect.
Various marine animals explore the ins and outs of motion.
Little ones are encouraged to examine the space around them with this board book. Each double-page spread features a different set of animals, varying from polar bears to jellyfish, moving through space. Each page features a tab that, when pulled, moves the animal through the scenery and reveals escalating relative modifiers, such as "Under, behind, over" or "Below, beside, above." As the tab is pulled, readers see one animal move through the three different described positions. The tabs are difficult to manage at times, and though they are sturdy enough, the surrounding card stock is all too easy to tear. Anxious readers may even be able to tug the tab out completely, thus ruining the illusion. The illustrations are colorful enough, but some of the logic of the text is lost in the interpretation: can a fish that swims “through” a frond of seaweed really be said to be moving from “inside” to “outside”? A complementary title, Small, Smaller, Smallest, exploring similar territory with woodland critters is also available.
While the premise is interesting, the execution is imperfect. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1562-1
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Sterling
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
In this board book designed for the littlest llama lovers, adorable-as-ever Llama Llama (Llama Llama Red Pajama, 2005, etc.) gets ready for some Halloween fun.
Dewdney’s characteristic spare, apt rhymes convey a lot of action in effortlessly readable fashion. A charming and simple introduction to Halloween and its associated activities, this title finds little Llama Llama choosing and carving a pumpkin, pouring candy into bowls, picking out a costume and, finally, trick-or-treating. The costume Llama Llama decides to don—pointy teeth and a black mask and cape—is enough to frighten and fool his friends but not readers, who will immediately recognize and smile at the silly little mini-Dracula. With Dewdney’s characters as expressive as ever, young readers will be drawn right into the holiday fun, eagerly anticipating which costume Llama Llama will choose and excited to see him scare his friends and score some candy at trick-or-treat. In the equally appealing companion title, Llama Llama Jingle Bells,the little fellow gets ready for Christmas, baking and decorating some cookies in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. This simple holiday title will win Llama Llama new fans, and old friends will want to add it and its companion to their collections. (Board book. 1-2)
Pub Date: Aug. 19, 2014
ISBN: 978-0451469786
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot.
Little ones learn about bugs.
The world of insects and like small creatures is the focus of this sturdy board book. Each turn of the page gives readers a close view of a particular habitat. The text asks, “Where’s the ladybug?” or “Where’s the snail?” and little ones are encouraged to find the creatures under shaped felt flaps. A caterpillar poses under a leaf with a few bites taken out of it; a bumblebee flies behind a pink tulip. The flaps are made of a reasonably strong material, secured tightly within the book’s pages. Extremely determined readers may figure out a way to pull the flaps out, but most will enjoy flipping them up and over with ease. The last page of the book contains a mirror hidden behind a bush-shaped flap, and readers are asked “And where are you?” The insects smile with big eyes and are composed of large, circular, clean-edged shapes. The color palette is dulled, making the neon flaps pop effectively for little readers. Concurrently publishing companion Where’s the Giraffe? explores the world of jungle animals.
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9335-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
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