MAMA HEN'S BIG DAY

Name: MAMA HEN'S BIG DAY
Author: Jill Latter
ISBN: 978-0-7358-4109-3

by Jill Latter & illustrated by Jill Latter ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2013

The low word count and brisk pace make this tale suitable for younger readers, though its adherence to visual logic is a...

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Spunky Mama Hen searches high and low for the very best location for her egg.

This simple pattern story sees the hen locating a spot to lay her egg and then quickly rejecting it due to a commonly understood animal danger. “A cave looks cozy,” but the view of a snake coiled up inside marks it an inappropriate nesting place. The cat stalks the peaceful meadow; a porcupine has claimed the bed of leaves; a fox creeps through the tall grass. Placement of relevant text on the same page as the potential threat keeps tension at a minimum. Bright, loose watercolors occasionally allow the white background to show through, creating energy, while whimsical black outlines show motion, texture and attitude. Very observant readers will enjoy spotting small details, including a reappearing ladybug. Poor Mama Hen’s desperation is effectively conveyed in a surreal, spiraling spread. A page turn reveals what many readers may not find to be the perfect nest: “the tippy-top of the tallest mountain,” which looks like it is about to crumble into the sea. No matter; the chick hatches almost instantaneously.

The low word count and brisk pace make this tale suitable for younger readers, though its adherence to visual logic is a little iffy. (Picture book. 2-5)

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-7358-4109-3

Page Count: 32

Publisher: NorthSouth

Review Posted Online: Dec. 11, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2013

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

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A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.

Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: July 5, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3

Page Count: 16

Publisher: HMH Books

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S VALENTINE
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

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ANIMAL SHAPES

by Christopher Silas Neal ; illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2018

Innovative and thoroughly enjoyable.

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You think you know shapes? Animals? Blend them together, and you might see them both a little differently!

What a mischievous twist on a concept book! With wordplay and a few groan-inducing puns, Neal creates connections among animals and shapes that are both unexpected and so seemingly obvious that readers might wonder why they didn’t see them all along. Of course, a “lazy turtle” meeting an oval would create the side-splitting combo of a “SLOW-VAL.” A dramatic page turn transforms a deeply saturated, clean-lined green oval by superimposing a head and turtle shell atop, with watery blue ripples completing the illusion. Minimal backgrounds and sketchy, impressionistic detailing keep the focus right on the zany animals. Beginning with simple shapes, the geometric forms become more complicated as the book advances, taking readers from a “soaring bird” that meets a triangle to become a “FLY-ANGLE” to a “sleepy lion” nonagon “YAWN-AGON.” Its companion text, Animal Colors, delves into color theory, this time creating entirely hybrid animals, such as the “GREEN WHION” with maned head and whale’s tail made from a “blue whale and a yellow lion.” It’s a compelling way to visualize color mixing, and like Animal Shapes, it’s got verve. Who doesn’t want to shout out that a yellow kangaroo/green moose blend is a “CHARTREUSE KANGAMOOSE”?

Innovative and thoroughly enjoyable. (Board book. 2-4)