A funny little tale of pet love.
Why won’t this dog behave? (Well, it may be obvious to some….)
The first and only thing on this little kid’s birthday list was a dog. However, when the dog emerges from the polka-dot gift box, it turns out to be a bad one. Rocky won’t come when she’s called. Rocky would rather play with the leash than go for a walk like good dogs. She doesn’t like other dogs, but she is a good climber (in fact, she climbs trees when other dogs are around). The eager protagonist tries to teach Rocky dog tricks, but Rocky is just not a good dog! What does Rocky like to do? Play with shoelaces, sleep in the sun, sleep on the laundry, and play in the water—of the fish tank. All that makes Rocky’s owner think that her bad dog “with black-and-white fur. Pointy ears. And a cute little nose [might] make a pretty great cat.” Boldt’s tale of a bad dog will have young audiences hollering (and giggling) at the little protagonist, who keeps insisting the obviously feline birthday present is a dog. And what cat would make a good dog? The illustrations have an animation aesthetic—the expressive child (who has olive skin and straight, black hair) and the pudgy calico are adorable—and provide all of the laughs as they slyly contradict the protagonist’s narration.
A funny little tale of pet love. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-9848-4797-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: July 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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