Nothing fishy here: an adorable, laugh-out-loud winner.
Three seemingly mismatched residents of a tree learn to coexist.
Sitting on their respective branches, pals Bird and Cat cordially greet each other. Neighbor Mr. Fish brusquely shoos them away, claiming it’s his tree. Unimpressed with their accounts of how hard it was to reach it, Mr. Fish describes his difficulties in getting there himself. When he’s reminded that he’s literally a fish out of water (how’s he even breathing?), Mr. Fish temporarily solves that dilemma with a fishbowl on wheels, but Bird and Cat leave, citing his poor attitude. Alone, Mr. Fish is bored, so he throws a festive shindig. Unfortunately, the aquatic guests hurriedly swim off from what the text assures readers is “the worst party ever.” On his own again, Mr. Fish realizes the solo life’s rotten; luckily, Bird and Cat return. Apologizing for his previous conduct and divulging a terrific idea, Mr. Fish solicits their help, remembering the magic word please. Laboring furiously while generating considerable noise, the three arrive at an ingenious means to share the tree harmoniously, each according to its species. This story about friendly cooperation, expressed through dialogue, soliloquy, and narrative, is a comical hoot; the simple, matter-of-fact, dryly witty text will arouse kids’ giggles throughout. The riotous cartoon illustrations ably drive the lively proceedings; Mr. Fish is especially expressive, a master of the absurd. Note the punny final page. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nothing fishy here: an adorable, laugh-out-loud winner. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-75871-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Imprint
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2021
Still, preschoolers will likely savor this mouthwatering treatment of a subject that looms large in many early school...
The familiar theme of the challenges facing a new kid in town is given an original treatment by photographer Border in this book of photos of three-dimensional objects in a simple modeled landscape.
Peanut Butter is represented by a slice of white bread spread with the popular condiment. The other characters in the story—a hamburger with a pair of hot dogs in tow, a bowl of alphabet soup, a meatball jumping a rope of spaghetti, a carton of French fries and a pink cupcake—are represented by skillfully crafted models of these foods, anthropomorphized using simple wire construction. Rejected by each character in turn in his search for playmates, Peanut Butter discovers in the end that Jelly is his true match (not Cupcake, as the title suggests), perhaps because she is the only one who looks like him, being a slice of white bread spread with jelly. The friendly foods end up happily playing soccer together. Some parents may have trouble with the unabashedly happy depiction of carbs and American junk food (no carrots or celery sticks in this landscape), and others may find themselves troubled by the implication that friendship across difference is impossible.
Still, preschoolers will likely savor this mouthwatering treatment of a subject that looms large in many early school experiences. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 29, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-399-16773-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2014
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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