bookshelf

MOTHER, MOTHER, I WANT ANOTHER

Name: MOTHER, MOTHER, I WANT ANOTHER
Author: Maria Polushkin Robbins
ISBN: 0-375-82588-6

by Maria Polushkin Robbins & illustrated by Jon Goodell ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 8, 2005

bookshelf

A classic bedtime story (originally 1978, with illustrations by Diane Dawson) gets a well-earned reissue with handsome new art. Mrs. Mouse tucks baby mouse in and gives him a goodnight kiss—then, responding to his request for “another, mother,” she hustles out to round up alternative parents: Mrs. Duck, Mrs. Frog, Mrs. Pig, and Mrs. Donkey, each of whom sings him a lullaby—“Quack, quack, mousie, / Don’t you fret. / I’ll bring you worms / Both fat and wet.” Goodell offers finely brushed, richly colored naturalistic settings, though he places baby mouse in a cozily appointed tree-trunk house, and dresses the maternal menagerie in cropped pants, house dresses, and other domestic wear. Baby mouse at last has enough: “I want another KISS!” The light dawning, each mother proceeds to oblige, ending with a relieved Mrs. Mouse. Younger children will adore this now, as they did a generation ago. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: March 8, 2005

ISBN: 0-375-82588-6

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2005

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

bookshelf

ADDIE ANT GOES ON AN ADVENTURE

by Maren Morris & Karina Argow ; illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2024

Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade.

bookshelf

An ant explores her world.

Addie Ant’s ready for adventure. Despite some trepidation about leaving the Tomato Bed, where she lives with her aunt, she plucks up her courage and ventures forth across the garden to the far side of the shed. On her journey, she meets her pal Lewis Ladybug, who greets her warmly, points the way, and offers sage advice. When Addie arrives at her destination, she’s welcomed by lovely Beatrix Butterfly and enjoys an “ant-tastic” helping of watermelon. Beatrix also provides Addie with take-home treats and a map for the “Cricket Express,” which will take her straight home. Arriving at the terminal, Addie’s delighted to meet another friend, Cleo Cricket, whose carriage service returns Addie home in “two hops.” After eating a warm tomato soup dinner, Addie falls asleep and dreams of future exploits. Adorable though not terribly original, this story brims with sensuous pleasures, both textual and visual. Kids who declare that they dislike fruits or veggies may find their mouths watering at the mentions and sights of luscious tomatoes, peas, beans, watermelons, berries, and other foodstuffs; insect-averse readers may likewise think differently after encountering these convivial, wide-eyed characters. And those flowers and herbs everywhere! The highlights are the colors that burst from the pages. Addie’s an endearing, empowering character who reassures children they’ll be able to take those first independent steps successfully.

Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade. (author’s note about ants) (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: April 9, 2024

ISBN: 9781797228914

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

bookshelf

BECAUSE YOUR DADDY LOVES YOU

by Andrew Clements & illustrated by R.W. Alley ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2005

bookshelf

Give this child’s-eye view of a day at the beach with an attentive father high marks for coziness: “When your ball blows across the sand and into the ocean and starts to drift away, your daddy could say, Didn’t I tell you not to play too close to the waves? But he doesn’t. He wades out into the cold water. And he brings your ball back to the beach and plays roll and catch with you.” Alley depicts a moppet and her relaxed-looking dad (to all appearances a single parent) in informally drawn beach and domestic settings: playing together, snuggling up on the sofa and finally hugging each other goodnight. The third-person voice is a bit distancing, but it makes the togetherness less treacly, and Dad’s mix of love and competence is less insulting, to parents and children both, than Douglas Wood’s What Dads Can’t Do (2000), illus by Doug Cushman. (Picture book. 5-7)