by Michael Gutch ; illustrated by Steve Bjorkman ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2013
Although many readers will relate to being technology orphans, little else will entertain in this rather bland tale.
A well-intentioned effort with an extra-sweet ending may briefly satisfy but ultimately leaves readers wanting.
Little sister Annie is always getting sticky. A stuck lollipop on her nose, exploded bubble gum over her face, ice cream dripping down her arm and “marshmallow goop” clogged in her ears are Annie’s distractions while her family members ignore her. They are too addicted to their own vices—video games, cellphone, laptop and what looks to be an iPad—to pay her much attention other than to be annoyed at the messes she makes. “One day Annie was hungry and went looking for a snack. As usual, everyone was doing their own thing, and there was no one to help Annie.” In an attempt to solve her own problem, she creates a very sticky sandwich with peanut butter and honey. When Annie accidently falls onto her dog, she finds herself stuck to the surprised canine. One mishap after another causes each family member to get stuck as well, until they are all one exasperated heap. But Annie has an idea that requires everyone to pay attention to each other and work together. The fire department and a good deal of water follow, but Annie’s family is having too good a time to become “unstuck yet.” Björkman illustrates the antics but fails to add much to the text.
Although many readers will relate to being technology orphans, little else will entertain in this rather bland tale. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: June 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-06-199818-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2013
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by Marilyn Sadler ; illustrated by Stephanie Laberis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 13, 2024
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
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by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
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